Fix a Cavity with a Filling

You may require a filling to be placed at our Calgary clinic if you have a tooth with a cavity, a minor fracture, tooth wear or erosion.

Placing an amalgam filling (mercury, silver and other base metals) has been the typical procedure for fixing cavities in back teeth for many years, but we do not place amalgam fillings because of the concerns associated with mercury, its toxicity and its effect on your health and the environment. There are now several superior tooth filling options available at our Calgary clinic, depending on your needs.

What type of filling is right for me?

A good alternative to a mercury filling is the more aesthetically pleasing white filling (known as a composite filling or composite resin filling). Other restoration choices include inlays, onlays, dental crowns or porcelain crowns.

The selection of filling material is also based on its purpose. An inlay, onlay, dental crown or porcelain crown is a good solution for a large back-tooth cavity, whereas a white filling is typically a better microdental solution for filling a smaller cavity or treating your front teeth. White resin is also used widely in cosmetic dentistry and dental bonding.

Are composite fillings entirely safe?

The material used to create a composite (white) tooth filling is not entirely free of controversy. The white resin used in a composite tooth filling is part of the broad family of plastics similar to Bisphenol A (BPA), which has been reported to have detrimental health effects. Dr. Wasik will explain your options to you in detail, so you may decide which filling option is best for you.