No one gets excited about needing a filling, but the good news is that modern dental fillings are quicker, more comfortable, and more natural-looking than ever before.
At Metral Dental in North Nanaimo, Dr. John Christensen and our team place tooth-coloured fillings that restore your smile while helping prevent small cavities from becoming much bigger problems.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay (a cavity), a small fracture, or everyday wear. After removing the damaged portion of the tooth, we fill the space with a durable material that restores its shape, strength, and function.
Most fillings today are made from tooth-coloured composite resin, allowing them to blend naturally with your smile.
How Do I Know If I Need a Filling?
Sometimes cavities cause obvious symptoms, but many don’t.
You may need a filling if you notice:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Pain when biting down
- A rough or chipped area on a tooth
- Food frequently getting stuck in one spot
- A visible dark spot or hole in a tooth
However, many cavities develop without any symptoms at all. That’s why regular dental exams and X-rays are so important. Regular dental exams allow us to detect decay before it becomes painful.
What Happens During a Filling Appointment?
Getting a filling is usually a straightforward procedure.
Here’s what you can expect:
- We’ll examine the tooth and confirm the extent of the decay.
- The area is comfortably numbed with local anesthetic.
- The damaged portion of the tooth is carefully removed.
- The tooth is cleaned and prepared.
- A tooth-coloured filling material is placed, shaped, and hardened using a special curing light.
- We’ll polish the filling and check your bite to ensure it feels comfortable.
Most appointments take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the filling.
Does Getting a Filling Hurt?
This is one of the questions we hear most often.
With modern freezing techniques, most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. You may feel some pressure during treatment, but you shouldn’t feel pain.
Afterward, mild sensitivity for a few days is completely normal and usually resolves on its own.
What Happens If I Wait?
Small cavities rarely stay small.
Without treatment, decay can continue to spread deeper into the tooth. What could have been repaired with a simple filling may eventually require a crown, root canal treatment, or even extraction.
Treating cavities early is almost always the simplest, least invasive, and most affordable option.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
The lifespan of a filling depends on several factors, including its size, location, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind or clench your teeth.
Many composite fillings last 7–10 years or longer with good care.
You can help your fillings last by:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Limiting frequent sugary snacks and drinks
- Attending regular dental checkups and cleanings
- Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth
Can Old Fillings Be Replaced?
Yes.
Over time, fillings can wear down, chip, crack, or develop small gaps that allow new decay to form underneath.
During your routine examinations, we’ll monitor your existing fillings and recommend replacement only if they’re no longer protecting the tooth effectively.
Why Choose Metral Dental for Fillings?
At Metral Dental, we believe dental care should feel comfortable and judgement-free.
Whether you have one small cavity or haven’t been to the dentist in several years, we’ll explain your options clearly, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
If you think you may have a cavity, or it’s simply time for your next checkup, we’d love to help you keep your smile healthy for years to come. Book an appointment with Metral Dental to keep small problems from becoming bigger ones. Contact us today!
