Care at Crystal Dental
Fillings
Discuss options for repairing damaged teeth, with your comfort and everyday function in mind.
Repair a cavity and restore your tooth.
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling replaces missing or damaged tooth structure, restoring the shape of a tooth affected by a cavity, a chip or a worn or broken filling. Your dentist prepares the area for the repair, removing any decay and keeping as much healthy tooth as possible. The filling material is then placed and shaped to restore the tooth’s surface and allow your teeth to meet comfortably when you bite.
Many fillings use tooth-coloured composite, a material bonded to the tooth that can usually be placed during one appointment. The best repair depends on the location and size of the problem, the chewing forces involved and how much sound tooth remains. If a tooth has lost too much structure for a filling alone, a lab-made restoration or crown may provide more support and protection.
Repairing your tooth
When a filling can help
A sensitive tooth does not always need a filling. An examination, with X-rays when needed, helps us identify the cause and recommend the appropriate care.
- You have a cavity that needs to be repaired.
- An existing filling has chipped, broken, or come loose.
- A tooth has chipped or worn in a way a filling can repair.
- A tooth has had root canal treatment and needs its access opening sealed with a filling, sometimes before a crown.
Filling materials & options
Choosing the right repair.
Tooth-coloured composite
Composite is a tooth-coloured resin that is bonded to your tooth, shaped, and polished to fit your bite. It suits many small to medium repairs in front and back teeth and is usually placed in one visit. Keeping the tooth dry during placement helps the filling bond properly.
Glass ionomer fillings
Glass ionomer is another tooth-coloured material. It releases fluoride, which can help protect against decay around the repair. It can suit certain smaller repairs in areas with lighter biting forces. It is generally less resistant to wear than composite, so it is not usually the choice for large repairs under heavy chewing pressure.
When more support is needed
A large repair or a weakened tooth may need more than a filling. A lab-made inlay fits within the tooth; an onlay covers one or more of its raised chewing points. A crown covers more of the tooth to help protect it. The amount of healthy tooth left and your bite help guide the choice.
What to expect
What to expect at your filling appointment, step by step.
01
Check the tooth
We examine the area, discuss your symptoms, and explain the repair. Let us know about changes to your health, medications, or allergies, and anything that would help you feel more comfortable.
02
Place the filling
Local anaesthetic can numb the area before your dentist removes any decay and prepares the tooth. For a composite filling, the tooth is kept dry and the tooth-coloured material is bonded into place.
03
Check your bite
Your dentist shapes and polishes the filling, then checks how your teeth meet. We explain how to care for the tooth and when you can eat after treatment.
The Crystal Dental approach
Why choose Crystal Dental for fillings?
A clear explanation
Understand where the problem is, why a repair is recommended, and which choices are available.
Comfort during your visit
Tell us if you feel uncomfortable or need a pause. Your questions and concerns are welcome throughout your appointment.
Care beyond the filling
Our Burnaby and Langley team helps you understand how daily care and regular checkups protect the repaired tooth.
Your care team
Four doctors. One family approach.
Dr. Bogdan Stanisavljevic
B.Sc., DMD
Dr. Goran Stanisavljevic
DMD, M.Sc., PhD · Co-founder
Dr. Dragana Stanisavljevic
DMD · Co-founder
Dr. Nicole Stanisavljevic
B.Sc. (Honours), DMD
FAQs
Fillings: your questions.
Have another question? Contact our team and we will be happy to help.
Does every area of decay need a filling?
Some early decay can be managed with preventive care and monitoring. Once a cavity has formed, a filling is often needed. Your dentist will explain what stage the decay has reached and what treatment is appropriate.
Will the filling match my tooth?
Composite fillings come in tooth-coloured shades. Your dentist chooses a shade to blend with the surrounding tooth and explains whether this material suits the repair.
Can a filling be done in one visit?
Most direct fillings can be completed in one treatment visit. The number of teeth being repaired and the size of each repair affect the appointment. Lab-made restorations usually need more than one visit.
Do old silver fillings need to be replaced?
A silver filling in good condition does not need replacement simply because of its colour or age. We check for wear, damage, and decay around the edges before recommending a repair or replacement.
How long will my filling last?
It depends on the clinical situation, but fillings commonly last for years. The material, size and location of the filling, bite forces, and daily care all affect its lifespan. Regular checkups help us monitor it.
How do I take care of my filled tooth?
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily. Keep up with recommended checkups, and contact us if the filling breaks, feels loose, or the tooth becomes uncomfortable.
How do I book, and can I ask about costs first?
Choose Burnaby or Langley on our Contact page and call, email, or text the office to arrange a visit. Our reception team will confirm your appointment. Ask about estimates and bring your current benefit information; see our insurance and payment page for more details.
Further reading: Canadian Dental Association — About Fillings · Canadian Dental Association — Tooth-coloured Fillings · Canadian Dental Association — Dental Fillings · ADA MouthHealthy — Tooth-Coloured Fillings · ADA MouthHealthy — Dental Amalgam · NHS — Tooth Decay
Your next visit
Let’s make time for your smile.
Choose the office that works for you. Our reception team will help arrange your appointment.