Getting a Dental Filling? Here's What You Need to Know

Dentistry on 88 • July 14, 2022

Did you know that around 96 percent of Canadian adults have had a cavity in the past?

The majority of dental visits are for routine cleaning and whitening procedures. However, occasionally cavities and fillings take center stage. Although there are numerous strategies to avoid getting cavities, most people find it challenging to do so.

Are you in need of a tooth filling but are unsure of what to expect during the process? Here, we're sharing everything you need to know about getting dental fillings from your dentist in Bradford, Ontario!

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities do not appear suddenly. Cavity development happens in phases, starting with the surface of your enamel being damaged by germs, which then spreads farther into the tooth.

When sugars on your teeth are not removed by brushing, bacteria feed on the sugar and make acids that erode your enamel, resulting in plaque. Plaque builds a haven for bacteria, which keep eating away at your enamel and ultimately move deeper into the tooth structure to produce a cavity. Check out our dental services we offer for cavity prevention

All About Tooth Decay

Bacteria in your mouth may produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. This results in tooth decay! This may result in a cavity, or small hole, in the tooth.

If there is more severe decay, the cavity may become larger or the entire tooth may decay. If you don't see a dentist in time, dental decay can result in pain, further infection, and even tooth loss.

When a tooth is often exposed to acid—for instance, if you frequently eat or drink sugary foods and beverages—the enamel gets damaged. The result is a mineral loss to the tooth, and this causes a white spot to appear. An early symptom of degradation is this.

At this time, you may contact a dentist to help save the tooth. Fluoride from toothpaste along with minerals from saliva can help reverse the decay.

Why Are Dental Fillings Used?

A filling is used to repair a small hole in a tooth, sometimes known as a cavity. A dentist will first remove the rotten tooth tissue from the cavity before filling it with a filling substance.

Visit your dentist as soon as you can for cavity treatment and filling if you notice any signs of tooth decay, such as a toothache, temperature sensitivity, or mild to severe pain when biting down, as well as any visible holes or pits in your teeth.

Early decay treatment allows your dentist to preserve your oral health while producing the greatest cosmetic outcomes.

What Are Dental Fillings Made Of?

The best and simplest approach to treating a cavity is with a dental filling. Although there are many different kinds of fillings, amalgam and composite are the most popular.

Amalgam fillings are robust and excellent for filling cavities since they are created by mixing numerous metallic components. Glass or quartz can be used to create composite fillings, which can also be customized to match the shade of your tooth. These are among the most well-liked and long-lasting options available today since they mimic the appearance of your actual teeth.

Gold, ceramic, and glass ionomer fillings are a few less typical filling kinds.

Dental Filling Options

Cavities can today be filled with a variety of materials, including silver-colored (amalgam) fillings and tooth-colored (composite) fillings. Because many people prefer tooth-colored fillings and because composite resin materials keep getting better, they are being utilized more frequently to fill teeth.

Crowns are another type of therapy used to restore severely damaged teeth. Crowns can be composed of porcelain, stainless steel, or other metals in addition to gold (usually used on baby teeth). Dental crowns and fillings typically do not last a lifetime.

Dental Filling Procedure

Dental procedures can be scary for some people. However, knowing what to expect may help curb dental anxiety before a dental exam.

An in-office procedure is often required for fillings. Sedation or even general anesthesia may be necessary for children and anyone who experiences extreme dental phobia. A person's dentist will let them know in advance if there is anything they need to do to get ready for the operation.

For the procedure, the gums are given a numbing gel by the dentist. They then inject a topical anesthetic into the gum after this has taken effect.

The dentist then removes the decaying portion of the tooth using a drill or another piece of specialized equipment. The tooth's hole is then filled.

The filling is then polished and may be adjusted such that the person's bite feels natural. The dentist must also use a special light to "cure," or harden, composite filling materials.

Then, you're done! You will likely have a numb mouth and/or lips for a few hours, but it should wear off by the end of the day.

Dental Filling Care Tips

You must take good care of your fillings once you have them. Taking good care of your mouth is essential for maintaining your filling and preventing decay.

After receiving your filling, stay away from foods that are sticky, chewy, or gummy for a few days. It's crucial to practice proper daily dental care, which includes using enamel-repairing toothpaste and flossing once every day.

Get Dental Fillings From Your Dentist In Bradford, Ontario

Tooth decay is treated with dental fillings. A filling can stop more harm from occurring, lessen the chance of pain and infection, and assist maintain general tooth health. After getting a filling, a person could feel a little sensitive or uncomfortable.

Now that you know all about getting dental fillings from your dentist in Bradford, Ontario, it's time to schedule an appointment! Click here for all new patient information.

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Comprehensive Guide: From Consultation to Post-Treatment Care With Clear Aligners

By Dentistry on 88 • May 28, 2025

A post by ConsumerAffairs reveals that clear aligners are 80-90% effective for mild to moderate tooth shifts. So you are right if you are considering them to improve your smile. They are better than traditional braces because they are clear, smooth, and removable. They also feel more comfortable and look more natural. You may, however, have questions about clear aligners before and after . You are unsure how the treatment works or what to expect. Before you get clear aligners, you want to know what happens at each stage. Below is a complete guide. It covers every step from consultation to post-treatment care and helps you prepare for your smile journey. Initial Consultation If you plan to get clear aligners, you will need a consultation with your dentist to determine if they are suitable for you. The first step helps them decide if aligners will work for your smile. You will also talk about your goals and what you hope to fix. Your dentist will: Check your teeth and gums Look closely at your bite Ask about your smile goals Review your dental history Explain your treatment choices To get clear and straightforward answers, visit a trusted clinic like Dentistry on 88 . Our team explains everything in easy terms and guides you with care. Digital Scanning and Impressions After your consultation, the dentist takes digital scans or molds of your teeth to begin planning. The step creates a 3D image of your mouth, showing the shape, size, and position of each tooth. The model helps the dentist see how your teeth should move over time and guides the next steps in your treatment. Scans also help design your clear aligners to match your specific needs. The process is safe, simple, and much easier than sticky molds. Most people find it quick and comfortable. Digital scanning ensures your aligners fit well and support smooth, steady changes in your smile. Treatment Planning Your dentist uses the scans to create a step-by-step plan for your smile. They decide how many aligners you will need and how long your treatment will take. The plan also shows how your teeth will move with each set of aligners . You even get to see a preview of your final smile. That is when you start to feel excited about the changes ahead. The treatment plan is a key part of cosmetic dentistry . It gives your dentist the tools to shape your smile most safely. With a clear strategy, each stage becomes easier to follow and understand. Aligner Fabrication Once your plan is ready, it is sent to a specialized lab. There, trained technicians use your scan to design your clear aligners. They shape each set to match your teeth and guide them through small changes. The aligners are made from smooth, clear plastic that feels light and fits well. Each tray moves your teeth a little closer to your final smile. You will receive several sets, each one specially crafted for you. Many people ask about the cost of clear aligners at this stage. Your dentist will explain the factors that affect the price and help you understand your payment options. Fitting and Instructions When your aligners arrive, your dentist checks how well they fit your teeth . They provide you with the first set and demonstrate how to wear and remove them correctly. You will also learn how to clean them and store them safely when not in use. Good care helps your aligners work better and last longer. Your dentist will explain how to handle your aligners daily. Following these instructions helps your treatment go as planned. Starting strong makes the rest of your treatment smoother and easier to manage. Regular Wear and Progress Checks Wear your aligners every day for 20 to 22 hours for good results. The longer you wear them, the better your teeth move. You can remove them to: Eat meals Drink anything but water Brush your teeth Floss between teeth Clean your aligners Regular visits to your dentist are essential as they help the dentist see how your teeth are moving. They ensure your progress aligns with the plan. Staying on schedule with visits and wearing your aligners as instructed leads to the best clear aligner results before and after . Following the rules helps you get the smile you want faster. Switching Aligners Every one to two weeks, you switch to a new set of trays. Each set moves your teeth a bit closer to your goal. Following the schedule helps keep your treatment on track. Changing trays on time ensures steady progress. Missing a change can slow down your results. Wearing each set as planned lets your teeth shift properly. Your dentist will guide you on when to switch. Keeping up with these changes helps your smile improve gradually. Post-treatment Retainers and Care After your treatment ends, your dentist will give you a retainer to keep your teeth in place. Wearing a retainer helps prevent your teeth from shifting back to their old positions. Following aligners' post-treatment care is just as important as the treatment itself. You will wear your retainer as advised by your dentist. Cleaning your retainer regularly helps keep it fresh and working well. Keeping up with regular dental checkups after treatment helps ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile remains perfect. Taking care of your retainer and following your dentist's guidance helps protect your new smile for years to come. Clear Aligners Before and After: What to Expect at Every Step The clear aligners before and after the process give you more than a straighter smile. You receive a comprehensive plan from your first visit to post-treatment care. Dentists examine your teeth, design your trays, and help maintain the strength of your results. With the proper support, the journey stays smooth from start to finish. At Dentistry on 88, we guide you every step of the way . Founded in 2019 by Dr. Arif Viran i, we bring over five years of care to Bradford families. Dr. Virani studied at the University of Pennsylvania and treats patients of all ages. Get in touch for clear aligners in a warm and welcoming space.