When you need a filling, you shouldn't have to choose between health and appearance. Tooth-colored composite fillings repair cavities and damage while blending seamlessly with your natural smile. At Dental Sedation Ottawa, we combine beautiful, metal-free restorations with comprehensive sedation options, so you can receive comfortable, anxiety-free dental care.
Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite fillings, are made from a tooth-colored resin material that's carefully matched to your natural tooth shade. Unlike old-fashioned silver amalgam fillings, these modern restorations are virtually invisible—even your dentist will have trouble spotting them from across the room.
The composite material bonds chemically to your tooth structure, creating a tight seal that not only looks great but actually strengthens the remaining tooth. Think of it as invisible repair work that rebuilds your tooth to its original strength and appearance.
Even "simple" dental fillings cause anxiety for many people. The sound of the drill, the numbness, past negative experiences—we understand these concerns. At our Ottawa dental clinic, we believe no one should avoid necessary treatment because of fear.
The perfect choice for most filling appointments. You'll feel relaxed and comfortable while remaining fully aware. Effects wear off within minutes so you can drive yourself home.
Learn more about nitrous oxide →Medication taken before your appointment creates drowsiness and reduces anxiety significantly. Ideal if you need multiple fillings or have moderate dental fear. You'll need a ride home afterward.
Explore oral sedation →Deeper sedation for patients with significant anxiety or those needing many fillings in one appointment. Most patients remember little to nothing of the procedure.
Discover IV sedation →Complete unconsciousness administered by board-certified medical anesthesiologists (Dr. Hesham Talab, MD MSc PhD FRCPC FASE and Dr. Asad Mirghassemi, MD MSc FRCPC). Best for severe dental phobia or when combining many procedures. Hospital-grade safety right in our dental clinic.
Learn about general anesthesia →With appropriate sedation, we can complete all your fillings in a single, comfortable appointment. Instead of multiple stressful visits, you experience one sedated session and wake up with all your dental work complete. This is especially valuable for patients who've been putting off care for years.
Questions? We're here to help.
Brown, black, or gray spots on teeth often indicate decay that's broken through enamel and requires filling.
Sharp sensitivity—especially lingering discomfort after removing the stimulus—often indicates decay reaching close to the nerve.
Food consistently getting stuck in the same spot may indicate a cavity developing.
Discomfort or pain when biting down on a tooth often means decay has weakened the tooth structure.
Existing fillings can develop new decay around edges or crack over time, requiring replacement.
Early detection means smaller, simpler fillings. Left untreated, small cavities grow into large cavities requiring crowns—or worse, root canals and extractions. Regular checkups every six months prevent small problems from becoming big, expensive ones.
We select from dozens of composite shades to precisely match your tooth color. The result? Fillings that are virtually invisible.
Unlike metal fillings that are wedged into place, composite resin forms a chemical bond with your tooth. This creates a tight seal that prevents bacteria from sneaking in and starting new decay.
Composite fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to amalgam. We only remove decayed portions, preserving maximum natural tooth strength.
Metal-free composite materials eliminate any worries about mercury exposure that some patients have with traditional amalgam fillings.
Modern composites are incredibly strong—comparable to natural tooth structure. Most reach full hardness immediately with our curing lights.
Unlike metal fillings that expand and contract with temperature changes (potentially cracking teeth), composite remains stable.
Before your appointment, we examine the tooth, take X-rays if needed, and discuss which sedation option makes sense for your comfort level. Most single fillings take 30-60 minutes; multiple fillings require longer appointments.
On your appointment day, we begin by administering your chosen sedation option. Once you're comfortable and relaxed (or peacefully asleep with general anesthesia), we numb the treatment area so there's absolutely no pain during the procedure.
The dentist carefully removes all decayed and damaged tooth structure using precise tools. We clean and disinfect the cavity completely, leaving only healthy tooth material. If the cavity is deep, we may place a protective liner to shield the nerve.
We prepare the tooth surface for bonding by applying a mild acidic solution that creates microscopic roughness. After rinsing, we apply bonding agent and then place the composite resin in carefully shaped layers. Each layer is hardened instantly with a special blue curing light.
We continue building up layers until the tooth is completely restored. Finally, we sculpt the filling to match your natural tooth shape, check your bite carefully, and polish everything smooth. The result should feel like your natural tooth—you shouldn't even notice it's there.
Time Required: 30-60 minutes for one filling; multiple fillings typically take 20-40 minutes each additional tooth.
Ready to get started?
The numbing typically wears off in 2-4 hours. Avoid eating on that side until numbness is completely gone to prevent accidental cheek or tongue biting. Some patients experience mild sensitivity to temperature for a few days—this is normal and gradually resolves. If you had sedation, follow recovery instructions carefully.
High-quality composite fillings typically last 7-10 years or longer with proper care and regular dental checkups. Signs a filling may need replacement include:
We examine all fillings at regular checkups to catch any problems early. With good home care and professional maintenance, tooth-colored fillings provide many years of comfortable, beautiful function.
Depending on cavity size and location
Multiple fillings completed in one sedation visit often provide better value than separate appointments. Sedation fees vary by type selected.
Most dental insurance plans cover composite fillings at 80% on back teeth and 100% on front teeth. We provide direct billing to major insurance companies and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
When you consider that composite fillings look natural, preserve more tooth structure, and last 7-10+ years, they represent an excellent investment in both your dental health and confidence.
Our patients consistently rate us 5 stars for gentle, anxiety-free care. Read verified patient experiences on Google.
View All Reviews on GoogleDentist Referrals Welcome: We collaborate with referring dentists throughout Ottawa and Eastern Ontario for sedation dentistry cases.
Learn About Our Referral ProgramSchedule your appointment today. Whether you need one filling or several, we'll make sure you're comfortable throughout—and your smile looks great afterward.
