The information on this page is for general educational purposes only.
Please consult your dentist for advice specific to your oral health.
Key Takeaways
✔ Dental fillings restore tooth structure damaged by decay — most complete in a single appointment
✔ Five main filling types: composite resin, amalgam, gold, ceramic, and glass ionomer
✔ Composite fillings match tooth colour and preserve more natural tooth structure
✔ Inlays and onlays are stronger than traditional fillings for significant structure loss
✔ Brushing, flossing, and regular dental exams extend filling lifespan significantly
Introduction
Dental fillings in Brampton restore teeth damaged by decay, cracks, or wear — and the right filling material affects both longevity and appearance. Whether you need a simple filling in a single appointment or a custom inlay from a dental lab, knowing your options helps you choose wisely. This guide covers every filling type available at our Brampton dental office, how long each lasts, what the dental filling procedure involves, and how to care for fillings to maximise their life.
Delta Park Dental offers all five filling types in Brampton — placed by experienced dentists using local anesthetic for comfort. Most fillings are completed in a single appointment. Book a dental exam today and our team will recommend the right filling material for your needs.
What Are Dental Fillings and Why Do You Need One?
Dental fillings restore lost tooth structure from decay. When tooth decay is left untreated, bacteria erode tooth enamel and progress deeper into the tooth. A filling removes the decayed area of a damaged tooth and seals it to prevent further damage.
Most fillings complete in under an hour. A simple filling takes as little as 20 minutes. The dental filling procedure involves applying local anesthetic to numb the area, removing decay, cleaning and etching the cavity to prepare it, applying filling material in layers, hardening with a blue light, then bite adjustment and polishing to complete the restoration.
Discuss filling options with your dentist — the right material depends on cavity size, depth, tooth location, and budget. The Canadian Dental Association (cda-adc.ca) recommends discussing all available materials before proceeding with any restoration.
What Types of Dental Fillings Are Available in Brampton?
There are five main types of dental fillings available. Each suits different situations.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite fillings are made from acrylic resin and glass particles. They match tooth colour, are bonded directly to the tooth, and require less removal of natural tooth structure than amalgam. Popular white fillings for visible teeth. The filling material is hardened in layers with a blue light. Composite fillings last seven to ten years with proper care.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are durable and made from a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Health Canada considers dental amalgam safe for most patients when used appropriately (canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medical-devices/activities/announcements/dental-amalgam.html). Silver amalgam fillings are particularly useful for larger restorations in back teeth and typically last ten to fifteen years or longer.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are exceptionally strong and last fifteen to thirty years. Created in a dental laboratory, they are custom fitted and require a second visit. Gold is biocompatible and does not corrode — the expensive option reflects material and dental lab costs. Ideal for patients prioritising durability over appearance.
Porcelain and Ceramic Fillings
Porcelain fillings and ceramic fillings are stain-resistant and match the translucency of natural enamel. They offer a seamless match to natural tooth colour, are fabricated in a dental lab, and require a second visit. Strong and durable for visible teeth where aesthetics are a priority.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride to protect against further decay. Suitable for small cavities or children’s teeth — less durable than composite or amalgam but protective for high-risk teeth.
Composite vs Silver Fillings — Which Is Better?
The choice depends on the tooth and cavity. Composite resin fillings suit front teeth and small cavities in visible locations — they match natural teeth and preserve more tooth structure. Silver fillings suit back teeth with large areas of decay — harder, more durable under chewing pressure, and less expensive.
Budget, health, and aesthetic preferences all influence the choice. Both are safe and effective. Dental professionals at our Brampton dental office recommend the right filling material after examining the cavity’s size and depth.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are stronger than traditional fillings and suit teeth with significant loss of tooth structure.
Inlays fill the centre of the tooth — within the cusps of the biting surface. Onlays cover the entire biting surface of the tooth and extend over one or more cusps. Both are custom-fitted in a dental lab from gold or ceramic materials and require two dental visits: a first visit to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and a second visit to bond the custom fitted restoration.
Gold or ceramic inlays restore teeth with significant loss of structure more effectively than direct fillings — more durable and protective of remaining natural tooth structure.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
Lifespan varies by material and oral hygiene:
• Composite resin: seven to ten years
• Silver amalgam: ten to fifteen years or more
• Gold fillings: fifteen to thirty years
• Ceramic and porcelain: ten to fifteen years
• Glass ionomer: five to seven years
Fillings last longer with proper care — brushing, flossing, regular dental exams, and a night guard if you grind.
What Most Patients Get Wrong About Dental Fillings
“A filling means the tooth is fixed forever.”
Fillings are restorations — they do not eliminate future decay risk. The margin where filling material meets natural tooth structure can develop new decay if oral hygiene lapses. Regular dental exam visits allow experienced dentists to catch failing fillings early.
“White fillings are always better than silver fillings.”
Composite resin is more aesthetic and preserves more tooth structure — but silver amalgam outperforms it for durability in large back-tooth restorations. The right choice depends on location, cavity size, and budget. There is no single best filling for every situation.
“I can eat normally straight after a filling.”
Patients may experience slight soreness after the filling procedure. Anesthesia wears off in two to seven hours — avoid eating until feeling returns fully. Avoid hot or cold foods for up to two days post-filling, particularly with composite resin where the bite is still settling.
What Happens During a Dental Filling Procedure in Brampton?
A dental filling procedure usually takes an hour or less — most simple fillings complete in a single appointment.
1. Local anesthetic numbs the tooth and gum fully
2. Decayed area removed; cavity cleaned and etched to prepare the surface
3. Filling material applied in layers and shaped to match the tooth’s natural contour
4. Blue light hardens each layer of composite resin
5. Bite checked, adjusted, and polished to complete
For inlays and onlays: first visit for preparation and impression; second visit to bond the custom fitted restoration from the dental laboratory.
Maintenance Tips to Make Fillings Last Longer
Fillings last longest with consistent care:
• Brush twice daily and floss daily
• Avoid biting hard objects: ice, hard candy, and pen caps
• Schedule regular dental exams every six months
• Wear a night guard if you grind teeth
• Limit acidic foods and drinks that erode enamel
When Should You See a Dentist About a Filling?
See a dentist promptly if:
• You feel pain or sensitivity when biting on a filled tooth
• Sensitivity to hot or cold persists beyond two days post-treatment
• You notice a crack, chip, or rough edge on an existing filling
• A filling feels high or the bite does not feel right
• A filling has fallen out or you can see the cavity beneath it
Left untreated, a damaged filling allows bacteria to re-enter and progress toward the pulp — potentially requiring root canal treatment. Early attention is always less invasive.
Why Choose Delta Park Dental for Dental Fillings in Brampton?
Brampton dental fillings at Delta Park Dental are placed by experienced dentists using current materials and techniques.
• All five filling types available: composite resin, amalgam, gold, ceramic, and glass ionomer
• Inlays and onlays fabricated through our dental laboratory partners
• Local anesthetic for every filling — most patients feel no pain or discomfort, the mouth is fully numb before any work begins
• Single appointment for most fillings
• Repair chipped or damaged teeth alongside cavity treatment in the same visit
• CDCP and major insurance plans accepted with direct billing
Book your dental exam at our Brampton dental office today. Our experienced dentists assess your cavities, recommend the right filling material, and complete most restorations in one comfortable appointment. Schedule your visit now.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Fillings in Brampton
Q1. What are the best dental fillings in Brampton for front teeth?
Composite resin fillings are the best choice for front teeth — white fillings that blend naturally with tooth colour for a seamless match. Bonded directly to the tooth structure, they require less removal of natural tooth structure than amalgam and look identical to natural teeth. Experienced dentists at our Brampton dental office colour-match composite fillings precisely so the restoration is virtually invisible.
Q2. How long does a dental filling procedure take in Brampton?
A dental filling procedure usually takes an hour or less. A simple filling can be completed in as little as 20 minutes. Complex cavities or multiple fillings may take longer. Inlays and onlays require two visits — first for preparation and impression, second for bonding the lab-made restoration. Your dentist will confirm the schedule based on the filling material chosen and the size of the cavity.
Q3. Are white fillings better than silver fillings?
It depends on the tooth and cavity. White composite resin fillings match natural tooth colour, preserve more natural tooth structure, and suit visible teeth well. Silver amalgam fillings are harder and more durable — better for large restorations in back teeth under heavy chewing load. Both are safe effective filling materials. Experienced dentists recommend the best option after assessing the cavity’s size, depth, and location.
Q4. What are inlays and onlays and when are they used?
Inlays and onlays are custom-fitted restorations from a dental lab — stronger than standard fillings and used when a tooth has too much decay for a direct filling but does not need a full crown. Inlays fill the centre of the tooth; onlays cover the entire biting surface. Both require two dental appointments. They offer superior durability for Brampton dental fillings in large or structurally compromised teeth.
Q5. How do I make my fillings in Brampton last longer?
Brush twice daily, floss daily, and attend dental exams every six months. Avoid biting ice, hard candy, or other hard objects that can crack fillings. Wear a night guard if you grind. Limit acidic foods and drinks that erode tooth enamel and filling margins. With proper care, composite fillings last seven to ten years and amalgam fillings last ten to fifteen years or more.
To book an appointment: call +1 905-494-0094, visit deltaparkdental.com/contact-us, or come to 215 Delta Park Blvd Unit 104, Brampton ON L6T 0H9. Hours: Mon 10am-4pm | Tue-Sun 10am-6pm.
Delta Park Dental | Brampton, Ontario | Family, Cosmetic & Emergency Dentistry
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book a consultation with the team at Delta Park Dental.
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