How much dental fillings cost depends on the filling material (tooth-coloured composite, amalgam, glass ionomer, or ceramic), the size of the cavity, how many tooth surfaces are involved, and your insurance or CDCP coverage. Cavities are one of the most common dental problems and are simple to fix when small, but an ignored cavity can reach the nerve and turn into a root canal or extraction. At our dental clinic in Woodbridge, you see the cavity on X-ray and get an estimate before any drilling begins.
Many adults avoid fillings because a past dentist made them feel rushed or judged. Parents worry about how their child will cope with the needle or the sound of the drill. Those worries matter, and a trusted family clinic slows down, explains each step, and offers comfort options. Children are cared for through our dedicated children’s dentistry team.
Some patients choose a laser approach for small cavities, which can mean less vibration and sometimes less need for freezing. Learn more about laser dentistry in Woodbridge.
When decay is too large for a filling, a crown may be needed to keep the tooth from cracking.
Peridot Dental Care is located at 6175 Highway 7 West, Unit 7, Woodbridge, Ontario, and holds a 4.9 Google rating from more than 165 reviews. The clinic accepts new and CDCP patients, gives a 20% senior discount for patients 65+, offers special promotions for kids, and has evening and weekend appointments. Phone +1 647-313-4164 or email info@peridotdentalcare.com.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay or a small fracture. The dentist removes the decayed part, cleans the area, and fills it with a material that restores shape and function. Fillings stop decay from spreading deeper into the tooth.
What Changes the Cost of a Filling?
- Material: composite resin, amalgam, glass ionomer, or porcelain inlay
- Surfaces: a one-surface filling is simpler than a three-surface one
- Tooth location: molars are harder to reach and isolate
- Cavity depth: deep cavities may need a protective liner
- Freezing and sedation: nitrous oxide or other comfort options
- Coverage: insurance, CDCP, and the senior discount
| Material | Appearance | Durability | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite resin | Tooth-coloured | 5 to 10 years | Moderate |
| Amalgam (silver) | Dark grey | 10 to 15 years | Lower |
| Glass ionomer | Tooth-coloured, releases fluoride | Shorter | Lower to moderate |
| Ceramic inlay or onlay | Natural, stain resistant | 15 years or more | Higher |
Costs depend on surfaces, materials, and coverage, which can only be confirmed after an exam. The team will walk you through your estimate in plain language.
Types of Dental Care We Provide
What Happens When You Get a Filling?
- Exam and X-ray to locate decay and measure depth.
- Comfort check, including numbing gel and local anesthetic.
- Decay removal with a drill or laser.
- Cleaning and bonding to prepare the tooth.
- Filling placement in thin layers, hardened with a light.
- Bite check and polish so the tooth feels natural.
Signs You Might Need a Filling
- Sensitivity to sweets, hot, or cold
- A dark spot or hole you can see or feel
- Food catching in one spot
- Pain when biting
- A rough edge on a tooth or old filling
Invisalign vs Braces and Cavities
| Issue | Invisalign | Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning teeth | Easy, trays come out | Harder around brackets |
| Cavity risk | Lower if trays are cleaned | Higher without careful brushing |
| Visibility | Clear | Visible |
Fillings are often completed before orthodontic treatment begins, so cavities do not grow under brackets or trays.
How to Choose the Right Dental Office
Choose a dental office in Woodbridge with dentists licensed by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), digital X-rays, and a habit of showing you photos of the problem. Ask whether white fillings are standard and how follow-up works.
Real Patient Scenarios
A nervous adult with three small cavities
All three were filled in one visit with nitrous oxide, finishing in under an hour.
A seven-year-old with a first cavity
The child watched a short video, chose a flavour of numbing gel, and left with a sticker and a sealant on the next tooth.
A senior with a chipped old filling
A composite repair replaced it, and the senior discount applied.
Common Mistakes With Fillings
- Waiting until pain starts
- Choosing a clinic only by the lowest quote
- Chewing hard food while still numb
- Skipping fluoride toothpaste
- Ignoring sensitivity that lasts more than two weeks
Avoid chewing while numb, as children often bite their cheek or lip. Sensitivity that becomes throbbing pain should be reported.
Myths About Sedation and Children’s Dentistry
How to Prevent Cavities
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day
- Limit sticky snacks and juice
- Ask about sealants for children’s molars
- Keep six-month cleanings
Frequently Asked Questions
Are white fillings more expensive than silver?
Composite fillings often cost a bit more than amalgam, but coverage varies.
Does CDCP cover fillings?
CDCP covers basic restorative services such as fillings for eligible patients.
How long do fillings last?
Composite fillings commonly last 5 to 10 years and amalgam often longer.
Do fillings hurt?
The area is numbed, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain.
Can a cavity heal by itself?
Very early enamel softening can harden with fluoride, but a true cavity needs a filling.
Conclusion
Filling cost depends on material, size, and coverage, so an exam gives the clearest answer.
Small cavities are quick and comfortable to fix when caught early.
Peridot Dental Care makes fillings easy for nervous adults and young children alike.
