Everything you need to know
What Are Dental Restorations?
Restorations are part of general dental care. They help prevent further damage and allow you to chew and speak comfortably.
You may need a dental restoration if you have:
- Tooth decay
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Worn tooth surfaces
- Old fillings that need replacement
Early treatment can prevent more serious dental problems.
Dental Restorations We Provide
Dental restorations focus on rebuilding damaged areas of a tooth and protecting what remains healthy. Treatment is selected based on the size and location of the damage.
Tooth-Coloured Fillings
Composite fillings are commonly used to repair cavities. The decayed area is cleaned, and a tooth-coloured material is placed into the space.
These fillings:
- Restore tooth strength
- Blend with natural teeth
- Help prevent further decay
Composite fillings are designed to support normal chewing function.
Inlays and Onlays
When a tooth has more damage than a filling can repair, an inlay or onlay may be recommended.
- An inlay fits inside the grooves of the tooth
- An onlay covers a larger portion of the chewing surface
These restorations are custom-made to fit precisely and restore strength.
Inlays and onlays help protect the tooth while preserving healthy structure.
Signs You May Need Dental Restorations
Dental restorations may be needed when damage affects the structure of a tooth. Some signs are easy to notice, while others are found during a dental exam in London .
Common signs include:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Pain when chewing
- Visible holes or dark spots
- Rough or chipped areas
- Loose or worn fillings
A dental exam and X-rays help identify damage and determine the best treatment
What to Expect During Dental Restoration Treatment
The restoration process is planned carefully to ensure proper results and comfort.
Examination and Diagnosis
Your dentist examines your teeth and may take X-rays. This helps identify the extent of the damage and confirms whether restoration is needed.
Tooth Preparation
If decay is present, the damaged portion is removed. The area is cleaned to prepare for the restoration. Local anesthesia may be used to keep you comfortable.
Placement of the Restoration
The restorative material is placed into the tooth and shaped to match the natural surface. A special light is used to harden composite material.
For custom restorations such as inlays or onlays, impressions or digital scans are taken to create a precise fit.
Final Adjustment
Your dentist checks your bite and makes adjustments if needed. The goal is to ensure comfort and proper function.
Many restorations can be completed in one visit. Some custom restorations may require a second appointment.
Benefits of Dental Restorations
Dental restorations help protect and strengthen damaged teeth. They also help restore normal chewing function and comfort.
Benefits include:
Repairing tooth damage
Preventing further decay
Restoring chewing ability
Improving comfort
Supporting long-term oral health
Restorations help preserve natural teeth whenever possible. Maintaining your natural teeth supports better oral function over time.
Cost of Dental Restorations in London, ON
The cost of dental restorations depends on the size of the damaged area and the type of material used. As general guidance, tooth-coloured fillings often range from approximately $150 to $300 , depending on the size and complexity of the restoration.
The final cost depends on:
- Extent of the damage
- Materials used
- Time required for treatment
- Whether additional care is needed
Before starting treatment, we provide a written estimate and explain your options.
Insurance and Payment Options
Many dental insurance plans cover part of restorative treatment, especially fillings. Coverage varies by policy.
Our clinic offers direct billing when available. We accept Visa, Mastercard, debit, and cash. Our team can help review your insurance details before treatment.
Direct billing & CDCP. We bill most insurance providers directly and participate in the Canada Dental Care Plan. Ask us for a written estimate before treatment begins — no surprises.
Emergency Dental Restorations
If you lose a filling or damage a tooth, prompt care is important. Delaying treatment can lead to further damage or discomfort.
We offer same-day appointments in London when available for urgent dental concerns. Contact our office if you notice sudden pain, a broken tooth, or a lost filling.
Until your appointment:
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Keep the area clean
- Contact our office for guidance
Early treatment helps prevent complications.
Caring for Your Dental Restorations
Dental restorations can last many years with proper care. Good oral hygiene is essential.
To protect your restorations:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Avoid chewing hard objects
- Visit the London dentist regularly
Routine dental visits allow us to monitor your restorations and address any concerns early.
Meet Our Dentists
Fairmont Dental Centre is led by Dr. Edward Pham and Dr. Alain David , experienced general dentists serving London, Ontario.
They provide dental restorations within the scope of general dentistry. Their approach focuses on careful diagnosis, clear communication, and patient comfort.
If specialized treatment is required beyond general dentistry, they will explain referral options and help coordinate your care. Our clinic has served the London community for more than 35 years.
Why Choose Fairmont Dental Centre for Dental Restorations?
Our clinic is located at 613 Hamilton Road, making it convenient for patients across London. We are accessible from downtown London via Dundas Street and Hamilton Road, and from east London via Highbury Avenue.
Patients choose Fairmont Dental Centre because we offer:
- Over 35 years serving London families
- Evening appointments
- Saturday appointments
- Same-day visits when available
- Clear treatment plans
- Direct billing to insurance providers when available
- Multiple payment options
We focus on steady, patient-centered care.
Most restorations at our London clinic use tooth-coloured composite resin because it bonds directly to enamel, conserves natural tooth structure, and matches the surrounding shade. For larger areas of damage on back teeth, we may recommend a porcelain or ceramic inlay or onlay, since these lab-made pieces resist the chewing forces molars take day after day. Silver amalgam fillings are still permitted in Ontario but are rarely placed in our practice. If you have older amalgams that are intact and sealed, replacement is usually not necessary unless decay or cracking is found on examination.
Typical lifespan ranges, based on Canadian Dental Association guidance, are:
- Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings: 7 to 10 years on average, longer with good hygiene
- Ceramic inlays and onlays: 10 to 15 years or more
- Amalgam fillings: 10 to 15 years
Heavy grinding, acidic diets, and skipped cleanings shorten these timelines. If you grind at night, ask about a custom nightguard at your next visit.
Ontario 2026 Cost Ranges and CDCP Coverage
Fees in this section reflect typical ranges within the 2026 Ontario Dental Association Suggested Fee Guide. Your written estimate may differ based on tooth size, number of surfaces involved, and whether additional radiographs or anesthetic are needed.
- One-surface composite filling: about $150 to $220
- Two-surface composite filling: about $220 to $320
- Three or more surface composite filling: about $300 to $450
- Porcelain or ceramic inlay: about $900 to $1,400
- Porcelain or ceramic onlay: about $1,100 to $1,600
Fairmont Dental Centre is a participating provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Restorative services, including amalgam and composite fillings on permanent and primary teeth, are covered benefits under the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide. Co-payments depend on adjusted family net income: 0% for households under $70,000, 40% between $70,000 and $79,999, and 60% between $80,000 and $89,999. Inlays and onlays are not currently covered under CDCP, and any portion above the federal fee schedule may be billed to the patient. We confirm coverage details before treatment so there are no surprises.
When to Call Now vs. Schedule a Routine Visit
Call (519) 451-4490 the same day if you have:
- Throbbing pain that wakes you at night or does not ease with over-the-counter pain relief
- Visible swelling of the gum, cheek, or jaw
- A tooth that broke and left a sharp edge or exposed inner layer
- A filling that fell out and the tooth feels rough or sensitive
Book a routine appointment within two to four weeks if you notice mild cold sensitivity that fades quickly, a small chip with no pain, food regularly catching between two teeth, or a dull ache only when biting on something hard. Catching it early often means a straightforward filling rather than the more involved treatment needed if decay reaches the nerve.
Fillings vs. Crowns vs. Root Canal: Knowing the Difference
A filling restores small to moderate areas of decay and keeps most of the natural tooth intact. An inlay or onlay is a stronger lab-made option when too much structure is missing for a reliable filling. A dental crown fully covers a tooth that has lost significant structure or has a large existing restoration. Root canal therapy is needed only when the nerve inside the tooth is infected or irreversibly inflamed; a crown usually follows to protect the treated tooth. During your examination, your dentist will explain why a specific option fits your tooth and review the written estimate with you before proceeding.
