Composite White Fillings In Ottawa

A Filling That Blends In

Composite white fillings restore decayed or damaged teeth using a tooth-coloured resin that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, so nobody can tell you’ve had any work done. At Inova Dental, we use composite fillings exclusively, offering a safe, metal-free solution for cavities and minor tooth damage at both of our Ottawa locations.

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What Are Composite White Fillings?

Composite fillings, also called tooth-coloured or white fillings, are made from a mixture of acrylic resin and powdered glass. They contain no metal and no mercury, and can be precisely shade-matched to your surrounding teeth for a completely natural appearance. Once bonded and hardened, composite fillings are firm, durable, and virtually invisible.

Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, which sit in the cavity without bonding to the tooth, composite resin bonds directly to the tooth structure. This means less healthy tooth material needs to be removed to place the filling, and the restored tooth is better supported as a result.

When Would You Need a Filling?

A filling may be recommended if you have:

• A cavity caused by tooth decay
• A chipped or cracked tooth
• A worn-down tooth surface
• An old amalgam or metal filling you would like replaced with a tooth-coloured alternative
• A small fracture or break that does not require a crown

Catching decay early means a smaller, simpler filling. Left untreated, cavities grow and can eventually require a crown, root canal, or extraction. Regular checkups are the best way to keep fillings small and costs low.

Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings

Composite White Fillings

• Tooth-coloured and virtually invisible
• Contain no metal or mercury
• Bond directly to the tooth structure, requiring less removal of healthy tooth
• Completed in a single visit
• Can be used on front and back teeth
• May wear down faster than metal in high-pressure molar areas
• Can discolour slightly over time

Amalgam Silver Fillings

• Highly visible silver or grey appearance
• Contain mercury combined with other metals
• Do not bond to the tooth and require more removal of healthy structure
• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• Best suited to back teeth where appearance is less important
• Less commonly used today as composite materials have improved significantly

At Inova Dental we use composite fillings for all restorations. If a cavity is too large for a composite filling to support the tooth adequately, we will discuss other options such as an inlay, onlay, or crown.

The Filling Process at Inova Dental

What to Expect After Your Filling

Composite fillings are completed in a single visit and there is no downtime. You can return to normal activity and oral care immediately. A few things to keep in mind:

• Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal in the days following the procedure and typically settles within a week
• If sensitivity persists beyond a week, contact us as this may indicate the decay was close to the nerve and further treatment may be needed
• In rare cases where decay is very deep, a root canal may be needed even after the filling is placed
• Composite fillings can discolour slightly over time and may chip in high-pressure areas
• If you are planning to whiten your teeth, it is best to do so before getting composite fillings, as the resin will not lighten with whitening treatments and your natural teeth may become lighter while the filling stays the same shade

How Much Do Composite Fillings Cost in Ottawa?

Composite white fillings in Ottawa typically range from $150 to $400 per tooth depending on the size of the cavity, the number of surfaces involved, and whether any additional procedures are required. Most patients pay around $200 to $300 for a standard filling.

Composite fillings are considered a basic restorative procedure and are partially or fully covered by most dental insurance plans. They are also covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients. We offer direct billing to most major insurance providers so you can focus on your appointment rather than the paperwork.

Why Choose Inova Dental for Fillings in Ottawa?

• Metal-Free Restorations: We use composite resin exclusively, with no amalgam or mercury in any of our fillings.
• Natural Appearance: Every filling is shade-matched to your surrounding teeth for a seamless, invisible result.
• Conservative Approach: Composite bonding requires less removal of healthy tooth structure than amalgam, preserving more of your natural tooth.
• Single Visit: Most fillings are completed in one appointment with no lab work required.
• Multilingual Team: Our staff speaks English, French, and Arabic, so nothing gets lost in translation.
• Two Convenient Ottawa Locations: Visit us on Innes Road or Bank Street, Monday through Saturday.

Composite Fillings FAQs

Do fillings hurt?

The area is fully numbed with local anesthetic before the procedure begins so you should feel little to no discomfort during the appointment. Some mild soreness at the injection site and sensitivity around the treated tooth is normal in the days following the filling and typically settles on its own within a week.

How long do composite fillings last?

With proper care, composite fillings typically last five to ten years. They may wear down faster than metal fillings in high-pressure molar areas. Regular checkups allow us to monitor your fillings and replace them when needed before problems develop.

Can composite fillings replace old metal fillings?

Yes. If you have old amalgam or metal fillings you would like replaced with tooth-coloured restorations, we can remove them and place composite fillings instead. This is a common request for patients looking for a more natural-looking smile.

Are composite fillings safe?

Yes. Composite resin contains no metal and no mercury and is considered safe for patients of all ages. The material has been used successfully in dentistry for decades and continues to improve in strength and durability.

How many surfaces does a filling cover?

A filling is priced based on the number of surfaces of the tooth that are affected by decay. A tooth has five surfaces and a simple cavity may only affect one or two. Larger cavities that spread across more surfaces take more time and material to restore and cost more accordingly.

Are fillings covered by insurance?

Yes. Composite fillings are a basic restorative procedure and are covered in full or in part by most dental insurance plans. They are also covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients. Our team offers direct billing and will check your coverage before your appointment.

What happens if I leave a cavity untreated?

Cavities do not heal on their own and will continue to grow over time. A small cavity that requires a simple filling today can become a large cavity requiring a crown, root canal, or extraction if left untreated. Getting fillings done promptly is always the more affordable and tooth-preserving choice.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

Whether you have a new cavity or old metal fillings you’d like replaced, our team at Inova Dental is here to help. We’re welcoming new patients at both of our Ottawa locations.

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