Dental Fillings and Restoration in Ottawa

Fillings and Restorations

Restore Your Smile, Protect Your Health

Cavities happen, but restoring your teeth should never mean sacrificing your smile. At Horizons Dental Care in Ottawa, we offer beautiful, durable composite fillings (often referred to as restorations) designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

If you need a filling, trust our experienced team to repair your tooth with care, precision, and a focus on preserving your comfort and confidence.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings nowadays are composite fillings made from a durable resin material that bonds directly to your tooth. Unlike old-fashioned metal fillings, composite restorations match the color of your natural enamel, providing a virtually invisible repair.

Composite restorations are used to:

Treat cavities caused by decay
Repair chipped, cracked, or worn teeth
Replace old metal fillings for a more natural look

Why Choose Composite Fillings?

Today’s composite materials offer a range of benefits that make them the first choice for both patients and dentists:

Natural Appearance: Color-matched to your surrounding teeth.
Strong and Durable: Designed to handle everyday chewing forces.
Minimal Tooth Removal: Composite bonds to your tooth structure, allowing for a more conservative approach.
Mercury-Free: A safer, more modern alternative to amalgam fillings.
Beautiful, Long-Lasting Results: With proper care, composite restorations can last for many years.

Our Restoration Process at Horizons Dental Care

We believe every restoration should feel as natural and comfortable as it looks.
When you visit Horizons Dental Care for a filling, you can expect:

Gentle Anesthesia: We prioritize your comfort throughout the procedure.
Precise Decay Removal: Only the damaged part of the tooth is removed.
Careful Layering: The composite material is applied in layers for strength and durability.
Sculpting and Polishing: We carefully shape the filling to match your bite and polish it for a smooth, natural feel.

Many patients are surprised by how quick and easy the process is!

When Should You Consider a Filling?

If you experience any of the following, it’s time to schedule a dental exam:

Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
Visible holes or dark spots on your teeth
Pain when biting down
Sharp edges or roughness you can feel with your tongue

Small cavities can usually be treated with simple fillings. Left untreated, they can lead to larger infections, broken teeth, or even root canals.

Don’t wait — early treatment means easier, faster, and more affordable care.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Most dental insurance plans cover the majority of the cost for tooth-colored fillings. At Horizons Dental Care, we offer direct billing whenever possible and flexible payment options for uninsured patients.

We believe every patient deserves access to high-quality, natural-looking restorations.

Learn more about our Dental Insurance and Payment Options »

Mercury-Free and Mercury-Safe Dental Fillings

At Horizons Dental Care, we are proud to offer mercury-free and mercury-safe dental treatments for our patients in Ottawa.

Older silver (amalgam) fillings contained mercury, which raised health concerns for many people. We believe in providing our patients with the most advanced, biocompatible options available today.

Our composite tooth-colored fillings are:

100% mercury-free
Biocompatible and safe for all ages
Bonded securely to your natural tooth for added strength

If you have old amalgam fillings you would like to replace for health or cosmetic reasons, we are happy to discuss your options. Our team takes special precautions during the removal of old fillings to minimize any exposure to mercury vapor, ensuring your safety throughout the process.

Choosing modern composite restorations means choosing a solution that is better for both your health and your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do fillings hurt?

No, the procedure is done under local anesthesia. Most patients feel little to no discomfort.

How long do composite fillings last?

With good hygiene and regular dental visits, they can last 7 to 10 years or more.

What’s the difference between a filling and a restoration?

A filling is a specific type of restoration used to repair a tooth damaged by decay. A restoration is a broader term that includes any procedure that rebuilds or restores a tooth’s structure, such as fillings, crowns, and bridges.

How do I know if I need a filling or a crown?

If the damage to your tooth is small to moderate, a filling is usually enough. If the decay or fracture is extensive and compromises the tooth's strength, a crown may be recommended to fully cover and protect the tooth. Your dentist will help you decide based on the extent of the damage.

Can old metal fillings be replaced with composite fillings?

Yes! Many patients choose to replace old silver (amalgam) fillings with tooth-colored composites for a more natural, aesthetic smile. Composite fillings are mercury-free and bond directly to the tooth structure.

Are composite fillings as durable as metal fillings?

Composite fillings are extremely durable, especially for small to medium-sized cavities. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, they can last many years. They also have the advantage of bonding to the tooth, providing additional support.

Will I be able to eat and drink normally after a filling?

Yes. Once the filling is placed and set, you can return to normal eating and drinking almost immediately. You may want to avoid very hot or very cold foods for a few hours if you experience sensitivity, but this usually resolves quickly.

How much does a composite filling cost?

The cost of a composite filling depends on the size and location of the cavity. Most dental insurance plans cover a large portion of the cost. We offer direct billing to your insurance and flexible payment options if needed.

Protect Your Smile with Confidence

Horizons Dental Care is proud to be Ottawa’s trusted destination for high-quality, natural-looking dental restorations. Located conveniently on Carling Avenue with free parking and direct insurance billing, we make it easy to restore your smile with comfort and care.

Don’t let small problems turn into big ones. Let’s fix it!