A Friendly Guide by Dr. Richa Bhatnagar, Jacksonport Dental Clinic, NE Calgary
Hi there! I’m Dr. Richa Bhatnagar, your neighborhood dentist from Jacksonport Dental Clinic in NE Calgary. One of the most common questions I get is:
Do I really need a filling? or Are fillings safe for my child (or me)?
If you’ve asked yourself this before, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Today, I’ll walk you through everything in simple terms, just like how I explain it to my own family.
First Things First: What Is Dental Filling?
A dental filling is like a tiny repair job for your tooth. Imagine your tooth is like a wall. If there’s a small hole (called a cavity) in the wall, it lets in water, bugs, or even breaks further. Same thing happens in your mouth.
So, what does a filling do?
- Closes the hole (cavity) made by bacteria so it doesn’t get worse.
- Stop pain or sensitivity before it starts.
- Make the tooth strong again, so you can chew and smile without worry.
It’s one of the simplest and fastest ways to keep your smile healthy and pain-free.
But It Doesn’t Hurt—Do I Still Need a Filling?
Yes, you still do. Let me explain why.
- Small cavities don’t always cause pain at first. But the hole will get bigger over time, even if you don’t feel it now.
- Bacteria never stop working. If untreated, they reach the center (pulp) of your tooth, causing deep pain or infection.
- A filling now costs much less than a root canal, crown, or tooth removal later.
💡 Dr. Richa’s tip:
Getting a small filling today is like fixing a tiny crack in your windshield—before it spreads across the whole glass!
Are Dental Fillings Safe?
Yes! Dental fillings today are safer than ever before.
At Jacksonport Dental, we use:
- Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings – These blend in with your natural tooth and contain no mercury or metal.
- Glass Ionomer Fillings – Great for kids and small areas, they even release fluoride to protect the tooth.
- No silver (amalgam) fillings unless absolutely necessary – We’ve moved toward modern materials for safety and appearance.
Are you worried about old metal fillings? Come in for a quick check. We’ll help you decide if you should replace them.
Are Fillings Safe for Kids?
Absolutely. In fact, fillings are very important for kids.
Here’s why:
- Kids eat more sugary snacks, and their brushing isn’t always perfect (and that’s okay!).
- Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth. If a baby tooth gets infected or falls out too early, adult teeth may not grow in right.
- We use gentle tools, distraction games, and even cartoons to keep your child relaxed.
💡 Dr. Richa’s reassurance:
I’m a parent too. We make kids’ visits easy, positive, and even fun!
Types of Fillings at Jacksonport Dental – Explained Like a Pro
We want you to feel confident about what goes into your mouth. Here are your options:
1. Composite (White) Fillings
- Matches your real tooth colour—no one can tell it’s there!
- Strong enough for front and back teeth
- Great for all ages
“I use this type for most of my patients—they’re safe, natural-looking, and reliable.” – Dr. Richa
2. Glass Ionomer Fillings
- Releases fluoride to protect the tooth over time
- Ideal for kids or areas that aren’t used for heavy chewing
- Often more budget-friendly
3. Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
- Made with metals—used mostly in the past
- Very strong, but not pretty
- We avoid these unless absolutely needed (ask us if you have old silver fillings)
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Filling?
It’s like ignoring a small leak in your ceiling.
- The hole gets deeper
- Toothaches and infections follow
- You might need root canal, tooth extraction, or even a crown
- Dental emergencies can be painful and expensive
💡 Fillings are fast, affordable, and prevent big problems. Most are done in less than 30 minutes!
Why Locals Trust Jacksonport Dental Clinic
We’re proud to be one of NE Calgary’s most trusted dental clinics. Whether you’re from Provi Cityscape, Skyview, Cornerstone, Redstone, Martindale, Saddletowne, Taradale, Monterey Park, Country Hills, or beyond—we’re here for you!
At Jacksonport Dental Clinic:
- We’re open 7 days a week – yes, even Sundays!
- We speak your language – diverse and inclusive
- We welcome kids, adults, seniors—everyone’s smile matters
A Note from Dr. Richa Bhatnagar
“Your smile is important—not just for photos, but for your confidence, health, and relationships. Don’t ignore small dental problems. Let’s fix them early and easily. And if you ever have doubts, come in for a chat—I’m here to help you make informed choices.”
📅 Ready to Book Your Appointment?
Jacksonport Dental Clinic – NE Calgary
📍 124-3730, 104 Ave NE, Calgary AB T3N 0T1
📞 +1 403-815-3040
📧 info@jacksonportdental.ca
🌐 www.jacksonportdental.ca
