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Winnipeg North Dental
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Hidden where two molars meet

Tooth-colored Restorations for Waverley West Residents

An X-ray picked up decay on the side of a back tooth, in the spot where it touches its neighbour. Restoring that surface means recreating the snug contact between the two teeth, not just filling a hole.

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Restoring the touching surface

Side Cavities in Back Teeth, Waverley West

Back teeth press against each other at small contact areas. When decay forms there, the dentist usually has to reach it through the chewing surface, then rebuild the missing side wall so it meets the next tooth firmly again. Too loose a contact can trap food, and too tight a contact can make flossing a struggle.

Waverley West is an area of Winnipeg, and patients who live there can have this kind of repair at our McPhillips Street clinic. A direct composite filling is commonly used for small and moderate side cavities, while larger ones may call for a custom design.

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Contact is the goal

A good repair recreates the light, firm touch between two teeth so they work as a pair again.

Dryness is critical

Side cavities sit low and close to the gum, which makes isolation for bonding especially important.

Shape guides cleaning

The rebuilt wall is contoured so floss passes without catching on a ledge.

How the wall is rebuilt

Recreating a side surface on a molar or premolar.

Your dentist balances seal, strength and contact when restoring the area where two back teeth meet.

Direct composite with a matrix

A thin band is placed around the tooth to act as a temporary wall while resin is layered in.

  • Decay is cleared while keeping as much sound enamel as possible.
  • A small wedge can help hold the band snug against the neighbouring tooth.
  • Resin is added in increments to build the side wall and contact.
  • After removing the band, the dentist checks contact with floss and the bite with marking paper.

Inlay or onlay for bigger losses

If the side cavity is large, a custom piece may offer a more predictable shape and contact.

  • The restoration is designed from a scan or impression.
  • Contours and contact are planned before it is fabricated.
  • It is bonded or cemented in place at a later visit.
  • Onlays extend over cusps when those need reinforcement.

Sometimes the neighbouring tooth also shows early decay. Whether to treat it at the same time depends on how advanced it is.

Treatment sequence

What a side-filling appointment looks like.

Each step aims at a repair that seals well and rebuilds the contact you need for chewing and cleaning.

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  1. 01

    Numbing and isolation

    Freezing is usually given, and the area is kept dry with tools suited to the back of the mouth.

  2. 02

    Remove decay and shape

    Damaged tooth is cleared, and the preparation is shaped to hold the bonded material.

  3. 03

    Build the wall

    With a band in place, composite is layered to rebuild the side and the contact point.

  4. 04

    Check, floss, polish

    Contact is tested, the bite is adjusted if needed and the surface is polished.

Before you sit down

Details worth bringing up.

Side cavities often have no obvious symptoms, so mentioning even small changes can help.

If you have a strong gag reflex, mention it ahead of time, as work at the back of the mouth involves instruments placed further in.

Share with the dentist

  • Whether food has begun to catch between those teeth.
  • Any sensitivity on that side to sweets or cold.
  • Floss that frays or tears at one spot.
  • Health changes, medication list and whether CDCP or private insurance applies to you.
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Back-of-mouth work

Making a longer reach more comfortable.

Treating teeth near the back can mean keeping your mouth wide for a while. A few simple arrangements can help you stay comfortable.

Ask about a bite rest

A small prop can let your jaw relax while your mouth stays open.

Plan short breaks

Tell the dentist if you would like a pause partway through.

Mention jaw trouble

If your jaw clicks or aches, the dentist can plan around it.

After the contact is restored

Getting used to the new filling.

Floss and food are good tests of a side repair. Over the first few days, notice how the area behaves.

01

Floss gently at first

Ease floss through the contact rather than snapping it down.

02

Notice food trapping

If food packs between the teeth after the repair, the contact may need to be reviewed.

03

Report a high spot

A filling that meets first when you close can usually be adjusted.

If sharp pain, swelling or a broken piece appears, phone the clinic rather than waiting.

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Winnipeg North Dental

Unit-5 2358 Mcphillips Street, Winnipeg, MB R2V 4J6
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Visiting for a side filling

Back-Tooth Contacts Rebuilt at Our Clinic

Someone from Waverley West would have this treatment at Winnipeg North Dental, Unit 5, 2358 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg. You can launch directions straight from this page.

Requests sent through the site are reviewed, and the clinic writes or calls back to confirm a time. If speaking to a person suits you better, the desk answers at (204) 338-3003.

Questions about coverage?

Talk with our team before your visit or learn about CDCP.

A little clarity before your visit

Your questions, answered.

Helpful details about tooth-colored restorations in Waverley West.

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Why does a cavity between teeth need to be reached from the top?

The neighbouring tooth blocks direct access to the side. Entering through the chewing surface lets the dentist reach and remove the decay.

What is a matrix band?

It is a thin strip placed around the tooth during treatment to act as a temporary side wall, giving the composite a shape to fill against.

Why does food get stuck after a side filling?

If the new contact is slightly loose or shaped unevenly, food can collect. Mention it so the restoration can be checked.

Can both touching teeth be filled at once?

Sometimes, if both need treatment. The dentist decides based on the extent of decay in each tooth.

Is composite strong enough between back teeth?

Composite is commonly used for small to moderate repairs in back teeth. Large losses or heavy biting forces may point to a different design.

How do Waverley West residents request a side filling?

Use the request form or call (204) 338-3003. After the clinic confirms, your treatment takes place at our McPhillips Street clinic in Winnipeg.

Cavity between back teeth?

Ask how the contact is restored.

Waverley West residents can request an appointment, and the clinic will reach out to confirm.

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