Tooth-Coloured Dental Fillings in Cornwall
A cavity caught early is a small fix; ignored, it can grow into a root canal or a lost tooth. Dental fillings in Cornwall at Cornwall Dental Arts are placed with tooth-coloured composite resin — strong, natural-looking and completely mercury-free — so your repaired tooth looks and feels like it was never damaged.
What are composite dental fillings?
Filling cavities and repairing small tooth injuries is the bread and butter of dentistry — it's how we preserve the health of a tooth before decay spreads deeper. At our Cornwall office we use tooth-coloured composite resin fillings, which bond directly to your tooth and are shade-matched to blend in invisibly. Because they're mercury-free, composite fillings are a non-toxic choice for both new cavities and replacements for old restorations.
Finding cavities earlier. The best filling is a small one. Alongside exams and X-rays, we use DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection — no radiation required — and DEXIS CariVu™ transillumination to find decay in its earliest stages, even in spots traditional X-rays can miss. Earlier detection means smaller fillings, more of your natural tooth preserved, and fewer severe complications down the road.
Replacing old silver fillings. If you have aging silver amalgam fillings, we can replace them with composite resin — restoring a natural look and letting us check for any decay hiding beneath the old restoration. Worn or broken fillings are one of the most common things our intraoral camera reveals; where a cavity is too large for a filling, an inlay, onlay or dental crown may be the stronger choice.
Why choose Cornwall Dental Arts for your filling
Dr. Steven Deneka (DDS, Western Ontario, 1985; KOIS Center graduate) and Dr. Justin Lee (DDS, University of Toronto, 2016) combine conservative, tooth-preserving dentistry with technology — laser cavity detection, intraoral cameras and Isolite comfort isolation — that makes fillings faster, more precise and easier on you.
Nervous about the drill? You're in the right place: our office pairs gentle technique with clear explanations, flexible pacing and, when needed, sedation dentistry. We serve patients from Cornwall, Long Sault, Morrisburg, Ingleside and the wider SD&G area, accept the CDCP, and offer free parking at 802 Pitt Street.
What to expect when you get a filling
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Numbing.
We gently freeze the area so you stay comfortable throughout — most patients feel pressure, not pain.
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Removing the decay.
The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed, leaving healthy tooth structure intact.
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Placing the composite.
Resin is layered into the tooth, shaped to match your bite, and hardened with a curing light.
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Polishing.
The filling is smoothed and polished to blend with your natural enamel. Most filling appointments are complete within an hour, and you can eat again once the freezing wears off.
Common questions
FAQ
Does getting a dental filling hurt?
No — the tooth and surrounding gum are numbed with local anaesthetic before we begin, so you'll feel some pressure and vibration but not pain. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal and fades on its own; if you're anxious about needles or the drill, ask us about sedation options.
How long do dental fillings last?
Composite fillings commonly last many years — often a decade or more — depending on the filling's size, its location, and how well you care for your teeth. Regular checkups let us monitor your fillings and catch wear or leakage early, before the tooth underneath is affected.
White fillings vs. silver fillings — which is better?
Composite (white) fillings are shade-matched to your tooth, bond directly to the tooth structure, and contain no mercury, which is why they're what we place at Cornwall Dental Arts. Silver amalgam fillings are durable but noticeable, and many patients choose to replace aging amalgam with composite for a natural, mercury-free result.
How do I know if I have a cavity?
Early cavities often cause no symptoms at all — by the time a tooth hurts or is sensitive to sweets and temperature, the decay is usually well advanced. That's why regular dental exams matter: our laser cavity detection can find decay at its earliest, smallest stage.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
There's no need to rush out intact fillings, but amalgam that is worn, cracked, leaking or paired with new decay should be replaced. At your exam we'll assess each old filling honestly and only recommend replacement when it benefits the health or appearance of the tooth.
Are fillings covered by insurance or the CDCP?
Fillings are a basic restorative service, and most Ontario dental plans — as well as the Canadian Dental Care Plan — provide coverage for them. We accept the CDCP at our Cornwall office; see our CDCP page or call and our team will help you confirm your coverage.
Book your appointment
Think you might have a cavity — or overdue for a checkup? Call Cornwall Dental Arts at (613) 932-2058 or request an appointment online for dental fillings in Cornwall, ON. Small problems are easiest to fix today.