Dental Fillings in Aurora, ON
Repairing cavities and minor damage with natural, tooth-coloured composite — usually in a single visit.
A dental filling is the most common restorative treatment in dentistry — used to repair a tooth after decay has been removed, or to rebuild a tooth that has chipped, cracked, or worn down.
At Aurora Borealis Dentistry in Aurora, Ontario, Dr. Waji Khan places tooth-coloured composite resin fillings that bond directly to the tooth and blend seamlessly with your natural enamel — no dark metal, no visible repair. Most fillings are completed comfortably in a single appointment, removing only what's damaged and preserving as much healthy, natural tooth structure as possible.
Early treatment matters. A cavity caught early is almost always a simple filling. Left alone, the same tooth can progress to needing a crown or root canal. Regular checkups and professional cleanings are the most reliable way to catch decay while it's still small.
The Basics
Why we use tooth-coloured composite fillings
Aurora Borealis Dentistry places tooth-coloured composite resin fillings as the standard. Composite is bonded to the tooth in layers and hardened with a curing light, then shaped and polished to match your natural tooth. It offers several advantages over older amalgam (silver) material:
- Natural appearance — colour-matched to your tooth, with no visible metal
- Bonds to the tooth — adheres directly to tooth structure, which can help reinforce the remaining tooth
- Conservative — less healthy tooth needs to be removed compared to amalgam
- Mercury-free — a metal-free alternative to traditional silver fillings
- Single-visit — most fillings are placed and finished in one appointment
Compare Your Options
Composite vs. amalgam fillings
If you've had fillings in the past, they may have been silver amalgam. Here's how modern tooth-coloured composite compares:
| Feature | Composite (Tooth-Coloured) | Amalgam (Silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | ✓ Matches natural tooth | ✗ Visible dark metal |
| Bonds to tooth | ✓ Yes — can reinforce the tooth | ✗ No — held by shape only |
| Healthy tooth removed | ✓ Minimal | More required |
| Mercury content | ✓ Mercury-free | ✗ Contains mercury |
| Typical lifespan | 7–15 years | 10–15 years |
| Completed in one visit | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Composite is the standard at Aurora Borealis Dentistry for both new fillings and the replacement of old amalgam fillings that are worn, leaking, or cracked.
When To Book
Signs you may need a filling
Cavities often cause no symptoms until they're well advanced, which is why they're frequently found at routine checkups before you feel anything. When symptoms do appear, common signs include:
What To Expect
The dental filling process
Examination & diagnosis
Dr. Khan examines the tooth and uses digital X-rays to confirm the extent of decay — including areas between teeth that aren't visible to the eye.
Comfortable numbing
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic so the procedure is painless. For anxious patients, sedation options including nitrous oxide are available.
Removing the decay
Only the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is removed, preserving as much healthy structure as possible.
Placing the filling
The tooth-coloured composite is bonded in layers, shaped to match your natural tooth, and hardened with a curing light.
Bite check & polish
The filling is adjusted so your bite feels natural, then polished smooth. You can eat normally once the anaesthetic wears off.
Ongoing monitoring
At your regular hygiene visits, we monitor your fillings for wear and check the surrounding tooth to keep small issues small.
Your Options
When a filling isn't enough
A filling is the right treatment when there's enough healthy tooth remaining to support it. When decay or damage is more extensive, Dr. Khan will recommend a more protective option and explain why:
Inlays & Onlays
A custom-made restoration for damage that's too large for a filling but doesn't need a full crown — preserving more natural tooth structure than a crown would.
Learn about inlays & onlaysDental Crowns
A full cap for a tooth that's significantly broken down, cracked, or root canal-treated — restoring strength when too little healthy structure remains for a filling.
Learn about dental crownsWhen decay has reached the nerve and the tooth is infected, root canal treatment may be needed before the tooth is restored. The guiding principle is always the most conservative treatment that will reliably restore the tooth.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Are tooth-coloured fillings as durable as silver amalgam?
Does getting a filling hurt?
Can I replace my old silver fillings with tooth-coloured ones?
How long does a filling appointment take?
Will my filling be noticeable?
Does insurance cover fillings in Ontario?
Book Now
Book a filling appointment in Aurora
Whether you have a cavity, a worn old filling, or a tooth that's started to feel sensitive, getting it looked at early keeps treatment simple. Dr. Khan will assess the tooth thoroughly and recommend the most conservative option that will restore it properly. We're located at 107–14785 Yonge Street, Aurora, ON, open Monday to Saturday, 8AM to 9PM. New patients are always welcome and the CDCP is accepted.