Regular dental checkups will detect small cavities in teeth, often before you notice anything is wrong. Other signs include increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages or when you eat something sweet or sour. You might feel discomfort or pain when you bite or chew on the affected tooth. 

What is the Process for Filling a Tooth?

We use local anesthesia to numb the tooth and keep you comfortable before removing all the damaged and infected portion and carefully shaping the cavity for a filling. Usually, we use white composite resin to fill a tooth. Composite resin is hardwearing and very biocompatible, and we can match the shade very closely to your tooth colour. Once in place, the filling is nearly invisible. 

Alternatively, we can bleach your teeth before placing a filling, matching the composite resin to the colour of your newly brightened smile. This can be a nice option, especially if you need a filling in a front or more visible tooth.

We do still place amalgam (silver coloured) fillings in back teeth only, when appropriate. Amalgam is cost-effective, tough and hardwearing, and is safe for use, but has largely been replaced by more modern, less visible alternatives like composite resin. 

Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a treatment we recommend when it is less practical to place a filling and where someone is more at risk of tooth decay. The teeth are painted with SDF, where the silver has an antibacterial effect, while fluoride helps to reharden the tooth, preventing the decay from progressing.

If you think you may have a cavity, please contact us. When we can treat a tooth more quickly, we can preserve more of its original structure and prevent a more serious tooth infection.

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885 Winnipeg St.
Penticton, BC
V2A 5N4