What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a restoration placed after an affected portion of a tooth has been prepared and cleaned.
Plaque and decay can still develop around the edges of a restoration, so daily oral hygiene and professional assessment remain necessary.
- Restore a cavity
- Repair limited tooth damage
- Replace a damaged or worn filling
- Restore certain chipped areas
- Improve the shape and function of an affected tooth
- Seal an area after damaged material is removed
Fillings may be made from metal, composite or other restorative materials depending on the treatment selected and the clinical situation.
New, replacement and repair assessments
The treatment plan depends on the size and depth of damage, the location of the tooth, bite pressure, gum position, remaining healthy structure and any previous restoration.
New Dental Fillings
A new filling may be recommended when the dentist identifies a cavity or a limited area of tooth damage.
- Size and depth of the affected area
- Location of the tooth
- Number of surfaces involved
- Remaining healthy structure
- Bite pressure and gum position
- Previous treatment and suitable material
A small area of early enamel change does not automatically require a filling. The dentist must determine whether the area should be monitored, managed preventively or restored.
Book a Cavity Assessment →Replacement Dental Fillings
Existing fillings can wear, fracture, loosen or develop problems around their margins.
- A filling has fallen out or broken
- The tooth feels rough or sharp
- Food catches around the restoration
- The tooth has become sensitive
- The filling moves or the bite feels different
- Decay is suspected around the filling
The dentist must determine whether the filling can be repaired, should be replaced or whether the tooth now requires a different restoration.
Book a Replacement-Filling Assessment →Filling Repair
Some damaged restorations may be suitable for limited repair rather than complete replacement.
- Size and position of the damaged area
- Age and condition of the restoration
- Presence of decay
- Remaining tooth structure
- Filling material and bite forces
- Ability to isolate and restore the area predictably
Repair cannot be promised before examination.
Assessment After Tooth Damage
A filling may sometimes restore a small chipped or worn area. More extensive damage may require a dental crown, root canal treatment, tooth stabilization, extraction assessment, another restorative option or referral.
The assessment determines how deeply the tooth is affected and how much healthy structure remains.
When a filling may not be enough →Decay develops through repeated acid exposure
Plaque bacteria use sugars and starches left in the mouth and produce acids that can weaken enamel. If the process continues, a hole may form in the tooth.
Having a cavity is not always the result of one single habit. The dentist may discuss individual risk factors and practical prevention steps.
Symptoms require diagnosis, not assumptions
- Sensitivity to cold, heat or sweets
- Pain when biting
- Food repeatedly trapping in one area
- A visible hole or dark area
- A chipped tooth or rough edge
- A loose or lost filling
- Dental floss catching or tearing
- A change in your bite
- Sensitivity around an old filling
Some cavities cause no obvious symptoms. These signs do not prove that a filling is required because cracks, gum recession, worn enamel and other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
When Is a Filling Not Enough?
A filling is generally intended for an area that can be restored while retaining adequate supporting tooth structure.
Filling
May be suitable when the affected area is limited and enough healthy tooth structure remains to support the restoration.
Dental Crown
May be recommended when the tooth requires broader coverage and structural protection.
Learn About Dental Crowns →Root Canal Treatment
May be considered when the internal pulp is significantly inflamed, infected or damaged.
Learn About Root Canal Treatment →Reasons another treatment may be recommended
- Decay is too extensive
- A large portion of the tooth is missing
- The tooth has a significant fracture
- The inner pulp is inflamed or infected
- An existing filling occupies much of the tooth
- The tooth requires broader structural coverage
- Damage extends below the gumline
- The tooth cannot be restored predictably
- Another condition affects the prognosis
Tooth removal may be considered when the tooth cannot reasonably be restored or another clinical problem affects its prognosis.
The material depends on the tooth and treatment requirements
Different filling materials are available in dentistry, including composite resin, amalgam, glass ionomer and other restorative materials. The appropriate material depends on the tooth, location, size of the restoration, moisture control, bite forces, appearance considerations and clinical judgment.
The dentist will recommend a filling material based on the location and condition of the tooth, treatment requirements and available restorative options.
An assessment-first treatment process
The exact process depends on the tooth, material and extent of treatment.
Examination and Diagnosis
The dentist assesses the tooth, symptoms, existing restorations, remaining structure, gum position, bite, nearby teeth and relevant diagnostic images.
Treatment Plan Review
The dentist explains which tooth requires treatment, why a filling is recommended, the material considered, alternatives, limitations, expected steps, cost and coverage.
Preparation
Local anaesthetic may be recommended depending on the depth, location and sensitivity of the tooth. The affected material is then removed and the tooth is prepared.
Placement and Bite Check
The selected material is placed, shaped, finished and checked against the opposing teeth. A filling that feels high should be reported.
Local anaesthetic and patient information
Patients may experience pressure, vibration, temporary discomfort or post-treatment sensitivity even when local anaesthetic is used.
Tell the dental team about previous difficulty becoming numb, dental anxiety, allergies, relevant health conditions, current medications or previous treatment reactions.
Placement and finishing details
For certain materials, placement may involve tooth conditioning, adhesive application, layering, shaping, curing with a dental light and finishing.
The dental team may explain when to eat, how long numbness may last, expected sensitivity, care instructions, when to contact the clinic and whether another appointment is required.
How Long Does a Filling Take?
Appointment time depends on the number of teeth, surfaces involved, tooth location, depth of decay, removal of an existing filling, material used, isolation requirements, patient comfort and whether another problem is found.
A single limited filling may be completed during one appointment, while multiple or more complex restorations may require additional time or separate visits.
What Should You Expect?
- Temporary numbness
- Mild gum tenderness near the treated area
- Temporary sensitivity to temperature or biting
- Awareness of the new restoration
- Minor tenderness around the injection area
Contact the clinic if the bite feels high, pain is significant or worsening, sensitivity does not improve, the filling feels loose, swelling develops, pain interrupts sleep or the tooth is difficult to use when chewing.
Can You Eat After a Filling?
Instructions depend on the filling material, local anaesthetic and treatment provided.
- Avoid chewing while the mouth remains numb
- Take care not to bite the cheek, lip or tongue
- Follow material-specific instructions
- Avoid testing the restoration with very hard foods
- Contact the clinic if the bite feels uneven
How Long Do Fillings Last?
Dental fillings are not permanent. Their service life varies according to material, restoration size, tooth location, bite forces, grinding or clenching, oral hygiene, diet, decay risk, dry mouth, trauma and remaining tooth structure.
A filling may eventually require repair, replacement or a different restoration.
Can Decay Return Around a Filling?
Yes. New decay can develop around the edge of an existing filling, particularly when plaque accumulates, cleaning between teeth is inadequate, sugar exposure is frequent, dry mouth is present or the restoration becomes damaged.
Protect the restored tooth and manage future risk
A filling repairs existing damage but does not remove the factors that caused decay.
- Brush regularly using appropriate technique
- Clean between teeth daily
- Follow fluoride recommendations
- Limit frequent sugary foods and drinks
- Stay hydrated
- Report new sensitivity
- Avoid using teeth to open packages
- Discuss clenching or grinding concerns
- Attend examinations based on assessed needs
- Have worn or damaged restorations assessed
Arrange an assessment
Contact the clinic if a filling falls out, a piece breaks, the tooth becomes sensitive, food collects in the area, a sharp edge is present, pain develops, the bite changes or the supporting tooth appears broken.
While waiting for an appointment
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Keep the area reasonably clean
- Do not use household glue
- Do not attempt a permanent repair
- Keep any broken restoration if available
- Call the clinic if pain or swelling develops
Urgent appointment timing depends on symptoms and availability.
Dental filling costs, insurance and CDCP
An examination is required for an accurate estimate. A one-surface filling is not priced the same as a larger restoration involving several surfaces.
Dental Filling Costs
The cost depends on the tooth, number of surfaces, size and depth of the filling, material, removal of an existing filling, number of teeth, diagnostic requirements, complexity and whether additional treatment is needed.
Ask whether the estimate includes the examination, diagnostic images, local anaesthetic, filling treatment, replacement of an old filling, follow-up adjustment and other required treatment.
Ask About Filling Costs →Direct Insurance Billing
Dentistry on Britannia provides direct insurance billing for eligible claims.
Coverage may depend on the filling material, tooth, number of surfaces, replacement frequency, age restrictions, alternative-benefit rules, deductible, co-payment, annual maximum and remaining benefits.
Direct billing does not guarantee full payment. Patients remain responsible for amounts not paid by their insurer.
Ask About Insurance Coverage →CDCP Coverage for Fillings
Dentistry on Britannia accepts eligible Canadian Dental Care Plan patients. Permanent fillings may be covered when recommended by an oral-health provider and program requirements are met.
Coverage depends on active eligibility, the tooth and surface involved, previous treatment, clinical findings, benefit-grid rules, CDCP-established fees, income-based co-payment and program limitations.
The clinic has confirmed that it does not charge additional clinic fees above applicable CDCP billing arrangements for eligible covered services. Government-required co-payments, ineligible treatment and non-covered services may still result in a patient balance.
Ask About CDCP Filling CoverageConvenient care on Britannia Road West
New patients may book an examination or problem-focused appointment for a suspected cavity or damaged filling.
2258 Britannia Road West
Mississauga, Ontario L5M 2G8
Find the appropriate next service
Dental filling questions answered
A dental filling is a restoration used to repair an area of a tooth affected by decay or limited damage after the affected material has been prepared and removed.
Sensitivity, pain, visible damage, trapped food or a broken existing filling may require assessment. Some cavities produce no symptoms, so a dentist must diagnose whether a filling is needed.
Very early enamel changes may sometimes be managed preventively, but a formed cavity cannot be diagnosed or treated at home. The dentist must determine whether monitoring, preventive care or a restoration is appropriate.
Not necessarily. Treatment depends on the stage, activity and location of decay and the patient’s risk factors. A dentist must assess the tooth.
The dentist examines the tooth, prepares the affected area, places the selected restorative material and checks the shape and bite.
Local anaesthetic may be used. Patients can experience pressure, vibration, temporary discomfort or post-treatment sensitivity.
The dentist should explain which material is recommended for the tooth and why. Material selection depends on the tooth, treatment requirements and available restorative options.
Time depends on the number of teeth, surfaces involved, depth of damage, existing restorations, isolation requirements and material used.
Fillings are not permanent. Their service life depends on material, size, tooth position, bite forces, oral hygiene, diet and other factors.
Yes. A filling can loosen, fracture or fall out because of wear, decay, trauma or damage to the supporting tooth.
Avoid chewing on the affected side, do not use household glue and contact the clinic. Seek prompt care if pain, swelling or significant damage is present.
The filling may require bite adjustment, or the tooth may have another problem. Contact the clinic if biting discomfort is significant or does not improve.
Temporary sensitivity can occur. Significant, worsening or persistent sensitivity should be reported to the clinic.
Yes. New decay can develop around the margins of a restoration, especially when plaque accumulates or the filling becomes damaged.
A crown may be recommended when the tooth has extensive damage or requires broader structural coverage. The decision depends on examination findings.
Not every deep cavity requires a root canal. Root canal treatment may be considered when the tooth’s internal tissue is significantly inflamed, infected or damaged.
Many plans provide some restorative coverage, but reimbursement depends on the material, tooth, surfaces, replacement frequency, deductible and annual limits.
The CDCP includes permanent fillings when eligibility and treatment requirements are met. Frequency and tooth-surface limitations may apply.
Cost depends on the tooth, number of surfaces, material, complexity, diagnostic needs and coverage. An examination is required for an accurate estimate.
Yes. The clinic lists Saturday and Sunday hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Suspected cavity, sensitive tooth, damaged tooth or broken filling?
New patients are welcome. Direct insurance billing is available, and Dentistry on Britannia accepts eligible CDCP patients.
The recommended treatment, material, appointment requirements and cost depend on examination findings.
Dentistry on Britannia
- Address:
2258 Britannia Road West, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 2G8 - Phone:
(905) 821-8632 - Email:
dentistrybritannia@gmail.com - Monday to Thursday: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Friday: 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.