781 Centre Road, East Bentleigh, VIC 3165

East Bentleigh Dental Group
Call us Now (03) 9575 1100
Tooth Filling

Tooth Filling
Restore and protect your smile

Maintain Healthy & Beautiful Teeth
with Dental Tooth Filling

Have you noticed decay affecting one or more of your teeth? Tooth decay is a common dental problem that can be easily addressed with dental fillings. At East Bentleigh Dental Group, our dentists are experienced in general dentistry and can make even the most nervous patient feel comfortable when getting a tooth filling in Melbourne. For more involved procedures, we also offer sleep dentistry to ensure patients experience the least amount of discomfort possible. Read on to find out more about tooth decay and dental fillings, or contact us to make an appointment for a tooth filling at our clinic.

Request an Appointment Call us at (03) 9575 1100

Why It’s Important
to Treat Decay
Fast

Why It’s Important
to Treat Decay
Fast

Why It’s Important
to Treat Decay
Fast

Bentleigh Dental Clinic

Both children and adults can experience tooth decay, which occurs when decay-causing bacteria attack the surface of the teeth. Decay can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, a toothache that’s either sharp or throbbing, pain when biting down, and holes or dark spots on the teeth. Severe decay can also lead to infection, gum disease and tooth loss, making it important to get a dental filling as early as possible to prevent complications.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is a process that starts with the formation of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can solidify into calculus if not properly cleaned off the teeth. Over time, the acids in calculus begin to leach minerals from the teeth, weakening their structure and leading to cavities. Factors that can contribute to tooth decay include poor oral hygiene and excess consumption of sugary foods and drinks.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can be prevented with healthy habits and a good oral health routine. Avoiding excess consumption of sugary foods and drinks can help prevent plaque from developing, while brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day will remove any plaque that does form. Visiting your dentist every 6 months for a professional check-up and clean is also recommended to remove calculus and monitor for any signs of decay that may require a dental tooth filling.

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The Treatment – Composite
Dental Fillings

Thanks to advancements in cosmetic dentistry, patients no longer have to face the idea of unsightly silver amalgam fillings to treat dental decay. Decaying teeth can now be repaired using a white composite dental filling material that matches the natural colour of the teeth for a beautiful and strong alternative to silver amalgam fillings.

Composite fillings are a mix of resins and plastic materials that are suitable for both the front and back teeth. The tooth is prepared and layers of the composite are set with a special light. The tooth filling material is then shaped and polished to match your natural tooth colour.

The dentists at East Bentleigh Dental Group have been offering all white composite fillings for years. Patients love the cosmetic benefits and can also trust in the strength and permanency of composite fillings. They are a safe alternative to amalgam fillings, and best of all, no one will be able to see that you’ve had a dental tooth filling done.

The Benefits of Composite Fillings

  • Restores the function and structure of damaged teeth
  • Prevents further decay and damage
  • Improves the appearance of the tooth
  • Can be completed in a single visit
  • Cost-effective solution for tooth restoration

What Does the Dental Filling Procedure Involve?

  • The area around the affected tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic
  • The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is removed
  • The dental filling material is placed into the cavity and shaped to match the rest of the tooth
  • A special light is used to harden the filling
  • The filling is polished to ensure a smooth and natural finish

Suitability of Fillings

Dental fillings are suitable for patients of all ages who have cavities or tooth damage. However, the suitability of a dental teeth filling may depend on the severity and location of the damage. Your dentist will examine your teeth to determine the most appropriate treatment option. In cases where tooth damage is severe or the decay has spread to the tooth’s pulp, a root canal or extraction may be necessary.

Dental Fillings Aftercare

After getting a tooth filling, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing regularly to prevent further decay and damage. Patients should also schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of their teeth and fillings.

Home Remedies for Tooth Decay

Once tooth decay has caused a cavity in a tooth, the only way to stop its progress is with a dental filling from a dentist. However, there are fluoride treatments and other products that can be used at home to slow down or reverse the early signs of tooth decay. Our dentist may recommend one or more of these products for teeth that are showing early signs of decay.

Make an Appointment for a Tooth Filling Today with East Bentleigh Dental Group

If you would like more information on getting an all white tooth filling in Melbourne, or if you want to learn about our available payment plan options and health insurance rebates, get in touch with our dentist in East Bentleigh today. We can also advise you on children’s dentist visits, as well as the option of sleep dentistry and sedation dentistry for more complex treatment.

FAQs

Learn the answers to common queries about dental teeth filling in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section.

Call us at (03) 9575 1100

No, the filling procedure is not painful. Anaesthetic is used by the dentist prior to the dental tooth filling being performed, ensuring no pain is felt. While sensations of pressure may be experienced during the procedure, this should not be painful. After getting a tooth filling, you may find that your tooth feels sensitive for a week or two. This sensitivity is completely normal and is due to the tooth adjusting to the new filling.

This can depend on a range of factors, such as the type of filling material used, the size of the filling and how well you look after your teeth. Typically, a white composite dental filling will last between 7 to 10 years before it needs replacing.

While it is possible to eat straight after getting a white composite filling, it’s recommended that you wait for the local anaesthetic to wear off first to prevent accidental biting of your cheek and lip.

This depends on the extent of the damage and whether the integrity of the tooth has been compromised. In some cases, a dental filling might be enough to repair a cracked tooth, while other cases might necessitate a crown to strengthen the tooth.

Composite resin fillings are a preferred choice over older amalgam fillings for a number of reasons. These reasons include:

  • Aesthetics – A composite dental tooth filling matches the appearance of natural teeth, while amalgam fillings are dark silver in appearance and noticeable to other people.
  • Health – Amalgam fillings can contain a number of metals, including mercury, copper, silver and tin. Mercury in particular can be released into the mouth over time with amalgam fillings, making a composite dental filling a healthier choice.

To take care of your fillings, brush and floss your teeth regularly, avoid chewing hard or sticky foods, and schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings. If you experience any pain or discomfort after getting a tooth filling, contact your dentist immediately.

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(03) 9575 1100