Dental fillings are a highly effective treatment for cavities, designed to restore your tooth's function and integrity. This straightforward procedure is so efficient that it can often be completed in a short visit, allowing you to quickly rn to your day.
Treating a cavity with a filling not only prevents further decay and protects your tooth from additional damage, but it also alleviates the pain and sensitivity associated with the cavity. This allows you to eat, speak, and smile with confidenceretu and comfort.
Given that tooth decay is onfe of the most common oral health issues, affecting a vast majority of adults, dental fillings are one of the most routine and essential services we provide.
What are dental fillings?
When you have a cavity in your tooth, it means there is a hole in the centre of that tooth. These holes are bad for several reasons.
Cavities can expose the nerves in your teeth, which can cause anything from minor discomfort due to greater sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink, to significant pain due to nerve damage. Additionally, if the nerve dies, you will likely need a larger procedure to treat the tooth, such as a root canal.
Left untreated, a cavity can weaken the tooth’s structure, making it more susceptible to cracks, chips, and other forms of damage.
To prevent discomfort and protect your oral health from further harm, the affected area will be carefully cleaned and restored with a dental filling. While amalgam is a common material for fillings, we also offer options like composite resin, gold, or porcelain.
Your dentist will discuss the best material for your specific needs, considering factors like the tooth's location, and together, you can choose the most suitable option for your smile.
White fillings
We only use white fillings here at Tooth Heaven. We use the strongest and latest white fillings for any repairs that are small to medium sized. Repairs that are larger might require ceramics or crowns to ensure the longevity and strength of the tooth.
The advantages of dental fillings
Dental fillings are a popular option for the following reasons:
- Prevent further damage and discomfort: A lot of dental discomfort and damage comes from cavities and dental decay, and a dental filling is a great way to stop the damage and treat the pain.
- Quick and easy: Dental fillings are extremely quick and easy. Most people will be in and out within 30 minutes, so it can be completed during a work break.
- Long-lasting: With good dental care, dental fillings will generally last for at least a decade. Fillings made from gold can last for even longer, for as much as 20 years or more.
- Preserves your natural tooth: Dental fillings help restore a damaged tooth without removing more of the healthy structure than needed.
How do dental fillings work?
Even if you think you have a cavity, your dentist will still want to book a check-up to inspect and confirm the issue. They will then book a second appointment to have the filling done.
Here is what to expect during your dental filling appointment:
- Your dentist will inject a local anaesthetic to completely numb the area
- They will use a special tool to remove the decay from the tooth
- They will fill the cavity
- They will shape and polish the tooth so it feels natural to bite onto
- The area will still feel numb for a few hours following the treatment
- The whole treatment will usually only take 20-30 minutes
- The site may feel a little tender for the next day, so avoid biting down on hard foods
- Your dentist will check on the filling during your next routine appointment
How do I know if I have tooth decay?
During routine appointments, dentists will check for tooth decay with a visual inspection and x-ray scans. They may discover tooth decay during this process.
However, for many people, the first signs of decay are found at home. Tooth decay often causes discomfort and pain, leading to an appointment with the dentist.
These are some of the signs that you've got tooth decay:
- Sensitivity when you eat hot, cold, or sugary food or drinks.
- An ache around a tooth.
- Pain when you bite down.
- A hole that you can feel with your tongue, or see when you look in a mirror.
- Black, brown, or white staining on a tooth.
How to avoid tooth decay
While fillings are an excellent solution for tooth decay, preventing cavities is always the best approach. Good oral hygiene involves brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing daily, and limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
The bacteria in your mouth feed on these sugars, forming plaque that builds up on your teeth, erodes the enamel, and leads to cavities.
Taking care of your teeth is crucial for your overall health, as studies have linked oral health to conditions like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Habits such as smoking can further compromise dental health, making a consistent oral care routine and regular dental check-ups essential.
Even with the most dedicated brushing and flossing, tooth decay can sometimes be unavoidable. Some people are predisposed to mineral loss (demineralisation), which softens teeth, while others may have underlying health issues that weaken them.
Regular check-ups are vital for monitoring your teeth for early signs of decay, which can help you prevent cavities before they form.
Whether you think you need a filling or want a check-up to avoid future dental issues, please get in touch with our friendly team to schedule an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
A tooth filling will vary in cost depending on a number of factors, including the placement of the tooth, which filling material you use, and how many fillings you get at once.
Dental fillings typically last 10-15 years if looked after correctly, but filling materials such as gold can last even longer.
Good dental care such as a healthy diet, regular flossing and brushing, and regular dentist check-ups will help to ensure the longevity of your filling.
No, tooth fillings don’t hurt because the area will be numbed with a local anaesthesia before the treatment even begins. The site may be a little tender for the following day after the procedure, but you can either take over-the-counter pain medication or avoid chewing using that tooth during this time.
The most painful part of a tooth filling is usually before you get it - the cavity itself can cause pain and discomfort, but the filling will treat the cause to avoid further pain.
No, a tooth filling is incredibly common, and most Australians will need at least one during their lifetime. You can get a tooth filling completed in less than an hour and not think about it again for many years to come.
The most common side effect of dental fillings are tenderness around the area following the treatment, which can be managed by over-the-counter pain medication. Other less common, side effects include:
- Infection that would need to be treated with antibiotics
- Dental fillings chipping or cracking over time
- Dental fillings falling out over time
Your dentist will watch for signs of damage to your filling over time, so regular check-ups will usually catch these problems before they occur.
Schedule your appointment today
Don’t let tooth decay damage your smile.
With high-quality dental fillings at Tooth Heaven, you can restore your tooth, stop further damage, and protect your long-term oral health. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, stronger smile.