Composite fillings in Grande Prairie Alberta

Few of us can say that we’ve never had a cavity. When bacteria found in plaque and food debris are left on teeth, the process of tooth decay begins. As the decay rots away enamel, the resulting space is called a cavity. Left untreated, the decay will continue to damage the tooth, and can eventually cause the root and pulp to be infected. Once the decay has reached this stage a root canal will necessary to treat the infection.  However, if the cavity is caught early, your dentist can treat it with a simple filling, typically in one appointment.

Dr. Boisson, our Grande Prairie family dentist, deals with common cavity fillings on a regular basis. While having a cavity filled is never a fun experience, Dr. Boisson has that special gentle touch that makes the whole process comfortable for our patients. First of all, the dentist applies anesthetic to ensure that the area is numb. He will then use a dental drill or laser to remove the decay.

In the past, cavities used to be filled with amalgam or gold. The drawback to these materials is that they are clearly visible. They also expand and contract with heat and cold, which sometimes lead to increased tooth sensitivity, cracks and breaks and the filling falling out. For these reasons most dentists nowadays use composite fillings to treat cavities. Composite fillings are made of tooth- colored materials, and do not react to heat and cold the way that metal fillings do. Since the composite material closely matches the colour of the tooth, fillings are nearly invisible.

Symptoms of cavities can include toothache, pain while eating and drinking and visible holes in the teeth. However, cavities generally don’t have symptoms when they’re in their earliest stages, so it’s important to come in regularly for cleanings and exams. Our friendly family dentist here in the Peace will catch those cavities early on so that they can be filled quickly and easily.