Visiting a Burnaby dentist for the first time can feel a bit nerve‑wracking, especially if you’ve heard you need a filling. At Burnaby South Dental, our friendly team at the Highgate location wants to put your mind at ease. In this post, we’ll explain everything about dental fillings—in clear, simple language—as if we were chatting over coffee. We’ll cover why you need them, the different types, what to expect during the procedure, and how to care for a new filling. And yes, we’ll sprinkle in some of those important phrases like “burnaby south dentist”, “high gate dentist”, “high gate dental clinic”, and “dentist near me” to help you find us online.
Why Do You Need a Dental Filling?
Dental fillings are one of the most common treatments you’ll receive at a High Gate dental clinic. You need a filling when tooth decay (cavities) creates a little hole in your tooth. Cavities start small—often you won’t feel them at first—but left untreated they can grow, making your tooth sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet things. Eventually, the decay can reach the nerve, causing a painful toothache.
A filling stops decay in its tracks. Your Burnaby dentist will remove the damaged part of the tooth, clean it, and then fill the space with a material that restores strength and function. It’s a simple fix, but skipping it can lead to bigger problems like root canals or even extraction.
Types of Fillings: Which One Is Right for You?
There are several options when it comes to filling materials. Your doctor at Burnaby South Dental will recommend the best choice based on the location of the cavity, your budget, and any allergies or sensitivities you might have. Here are the most common types:
- Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
- Made of a mix of metals including silver, mercury, tin, and copper
- Durable and lasts many years, often used for back teeth that do most of the chewing
- Not as natural‑looking—so many people prefer another option for front teeth
- Composite (Tooth‑coloured) Fillings
- Made of resin and finely ground glass-like particles
- Matched to your natural tooth shade, so it blends right in
- Bonds directly to the tooth, which can strengthen the remaining enamel
- Slightly less durable than amalgam (but still lasts 5–10 years with good care)
- Ceramic Fillings (Porcelain)
- Very natural appearance, resistant to staining
- More expensive, often used when aesthetics matter most
- Can be made in a dental lab and cemented in place
- Gold Fillings
- Extremely durable, lasting up to 20 years
- Noticeable metallic color—some people like the look, others don’t
- Requires multiple visits and tends to cost more
At Burnaby South Dental, our patients often ask, “Should I get composite or amalgam?” While amalgam is sometimes more cost‑effective, composite fillings give a seamless, natural look. Talk to your High Gate dentist to see what makes sense for your smile and budget.
What to Expect During Your Filling Appointment
If you’ve never had a filling, you might wonder what actually happens at the Highgate dental clinic. Here’s a quick rundown of a typical appointment with your dentist near me:
- Examination & X‑rays
- First, we examine your mouth and may take digital x‑rays to locate the cavity precisely and check for any other concerns.
- Anesthesia
- We apply a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) so you won’t feel pain. You might feel a small pinch, but after that most people don’t notice anything.
- Decay Removal
- Using a dental drill or laser, we gently remove the decayed part of the tooth. It might tickle or feel strange, but it shouldn’t hurt.
- Cleaning & Preparation
- Once the decay is gone, we clean the area and prepare the cavity for the filling material, making sure there’s no debris left behind.
- Filling Placement
- We place the filling material in layers, hardening each layer with a special light (for composites) or by packing it tight (for amalgam).
- Shaping & Polishing
- We shape the filling so it matches your bite, then polish it smooth so it feels just like your natural tooth.
The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes per filling, depending on how many fillings you need and where they’re located.
Aftercare: Caring for Your New Filling
Your new filling needs a bit of TLC to last a long time. Here are some easy tips from your burnaby south dentist:
- Wait to eat until the numbness wears off—so you don’t accidentally bite your cheek or tongue.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods for the first 24 hours, especially with composite fillings.
- Brush and floss gently around the filled tooth, but don’t skip your routine of brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and help prevent more cavities.
- See your High Gate dentist for regular cleanings and check‑ups—ideally every six months. This is the best way to spot tiny problems before they become big ones.
With good home care and regular visits to our Highgate dental clinic, many fillings last a decade or more.
Finding the Right “Dentist Near Me” in Burnaby
When you search for a “dentist near me”, you want someone who combines skill, compassion, and a convenient location. At Burnaby South Dental, our Highgate team offers:
- Flexible hours, including early mornings and late afternoons
- Free parking and easy transit access
- Kid‑friendly environment—because cavities don’t wait until adulthood!
- A caring staff that explains everything in plain English (and maybe a few subtle grammar slips, because we’re human)
Whether you’re looking for a routine filling or a more complex restorative solution, our goal is to make you feel relaxed and well‑informed every step of the way.
Ready to Protect Your Smile?
Ignoring a small cavity can lead to big problems down the road—root canals, crowns, or worse. Don’t let decay ruin your day (or your smile). If you’re in Burnaby or the Highgate area and need a Burnaby dentist or “High Gate dentist”, give us a call at Burnaby South Dental. We’re here to help with gentle, expert fillings that get you back to smiling—fast.
Book your appointment today and see why so many in our community trust us as their Burnaby South dentist and preferred High Gate dental clinic. We look forward to caring for your smile!
