Fillings

Prevent Further Damage to Your Teeth

A white filling is also known as a composite resin or “tooth-coloured” filling. It repairs a tooth challenged by decay, or a fracture, and restores the tooth’s structure.

Mercury-Free Dental Fillings

Although some dentists in Surrey are still applying amalgam or silver-coloured fillings, Dr. Bajwa is a mercury-free dentist. Amalgam has been popular in the past because of the lower cost and long life span, but it also contains mercury vapor, a toxic substance that is released from the filling over time.

Besides this potential health concern, our Surrey clinic prefers composite white fillings for these reasons:

Cosmetics – fillings can be closely matched to the colour of your teeth and shaped to look like your natural teeth
Efficiency – fillings can be created in just one visit to the dentist
Durability – newer composite fillings will last for many years

White Fillings: What to Expect

First we ensure your comfort during the procedure with a local anaesthetic. If you’re fearful of needles, we have other anaesthetic options to consider.

Once your mouth is numb, the decayed or fractured portion of the tooth is removed, and a bonding material is placed on the tooth. To create the white filling, layers of composite resin are placed and are set by shining a special blue light on the tooth. When the filling has hardened, Dr. Bajwa will shape it to ensure it fits your bite and looks like a natural tooth.

The tooth may be sensitive for a few days after receiving a filling, and sensitivity may last for up to two weeks afterwards. If there is pain or the sensitivity does not subside, please call us.

Contact us to book a consultation for mercury-free dental fillings with our Surrey dentist.

Common Questions

How long will a composite filling last?

Answer

It’s difficult to provide an exact number in answering this question as it depends on so many factors such as the size of the filling, the location and, of course, how well you take care of your teeth. With excellent oral hygiene your white fillings have the potential to last from 7 to 10 years.

As a mercury-free dentist, can you remove my amalgam filling and replace it with a white filling?

Answer

Yes, we can replace fillings. Generally, if your existing silver fillings are intact without any issues, we would recommend leaving them until replacement is absolutely necessary. For example, if the silver filling is damaged (i.e. corroded, chipped or broken) or is showing leakage. In other cases, replacing the filling may be an option for aesthetic reasons (i.e. visibility when you smile).

Is a filling the same as an inlay?

Answer

They are similar – inlays and onlays fall in between dental fillings and crowns. They replace larger areas of decay or damage, and tend to be stronger and longer lasting than fillings. An onlay sits in the tooth, while an onlay sits on the tooth providing more shape.

“Smile. It’s the boldest statement you can make without saying a word.”
–Unknown
DID YOU KNOW?

Roughly 60% of children from age 5-17 are affected by dental decay, a disease caused by bacterial infection and one of the most common childhood disorders.
–Canadian Dental Association
Our vision is to provide the highest standard of dental care possible, while being an integral member of our community with lifelong involvement and outreach.
–Sullivan Heights Dental
DID YOU KNOW?

Only 28% of people floss five times per week.
–Canadian Dental Association

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