When a tooth develops cracks, factures, or decay, one of the simplest treatment options is to place a filling to prevent further damage. Tooth coloured fillings are used so it looks completely natural. The damaged or decayed areas are first removed before the filling material is placed inside the tooth.

What are fillings?

Tooth coloured fillings are usually made of a material called composite resin. The colour of the teeth can be matched so that the filling will blend in with the surrounding tooth structure. Composite fillings can be shaped and polished to give a natural appearance, particularly when used for the front teeth. However, when cavities become very large, composite fillings are prone to chipping and so a more durable option, such as a porcelain crown, may be necessary.

During your dental visit, we will discuss the restoration options with you and you can make your choice depending on your specific needs and budget. Our doctors will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

What to expect during the procedure

Placement of a filling is a fairly simple procedure with low risk of complications. The first step is to give you a local anaesthesia so the treatment area is numb and you don’t feel any pain. Then a drill is used to remove the decayed tooth structure. All the decay is completely removed so the area does not get reinfected. After this, the cavity is thoroughly cleaned to prepare for the filling.

Once the cavity is clean, the filling material is placed in position, sculpted to the correct shape and then hardened. Composite resins are hardened using a blue light which causes a chemical reaction inside the filling material. After the filling is placed, our dentists will then check that the filling fits correctly in your bite and the surface will be polished until smooth. Because the fillings are directly bonded they will blend in well with the surrounding tooth. Our highly skilled dentists will match the colour of the filling to your natural teeth exactly.

In cases where the cavity in the tooth is very deep, there is risk that the nerve of the tooth could become inflamed or infected. In these cases, your dentist may advise a special base material to be placed under your filling to try and protect the nerve. You will be warned prior to the procedure that there is a risk to the nerve and the possible consequences if infection occurs inside the tooth.

After the filling is complete, our dental team will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your new fillings. With good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits, your dental fillings will be very durable.

At Alphington Dental Care, your comfort is our top priority. Our team will help you make your dental visit a stress-free one. Get in touch with our friendly team and set up an appointment with our dentist for a consultation. Remember, the earlier you catch and treat a dental problem, the less invasive it will be.