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Dental Fillings & Restorative Dentistry
Protect your teeth with conservative dental care.
Dental fillings are commonly used to repair teeth affected by cavities, minor fractures or other forms of tooth damage. The aim is to remove affected tooth structure where necessary and restore the tooth's shape and function.
Restore. Protect. Preserve.
Early assessment of tooth decay can help determine whether a filling or another restorative procedure is appropriate.
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Assessment of the affected tooth
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Tooth-coloured restorative options
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Focus on preserving healthy tooth structure
Understanding Dental Fillings
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling is a restorative material used to repair a tooth after decay or certain types of damage have affected its structure.
During treatment, the dentist assesses the tooth and removes damaged or decayed structure where required before placing the restorative material.
The choice of material and treatment approach depends on factors such as the location and extent of the damage, the condition of the tooth and your overall oral health.
When Fillings May Be Needed
Small problems can become bigger problems when left untreated.
A dental examination helps identify the extent of tooth damage and determine the most appropriate restorative option.
01
Tooth Decay
Fillings can be used to restore teeth affected by cavities when the damage is suitable for a direct restoration.
02
Minor Tooth Damage
Certain small fractures, chips or areas of structural damage may be repaired using restorative material.
03
Worn Tooth Structure
Selected cases of tooth wear may require restorative treatment to rebuild affected areas.
Restorative Options
Choosing the appropriate filling material.
Different restorative materials have different characteristics. Your dentist can recommend an option based on the tooth and your individual requirements.
Tooth-Coloured Composite
Composite resin can be matched to the natural appearance of teeth and is commonly used for many visible restorations.
Other Restorative Materials
Depending on the clinical situation, other restorative materials may be considered. Material selection is based on factors such as tooth location, size of the restoration and functional needs.
Treatment Process
A straightforward approach to restoring your tooth.
The exact process varies according to the tooth and extent of treatment required.
Step 01
Examination
The affected tooth is assessed and additional diagnostic records may be taken when required.
Step 02
Preparation
Damaged or decayed tooth structure is carefully addressed as part of the restorative procedure.
Step 03
Restoration
The selected filling material is placed and shaped to restore the tooth.
Step 04
Finishing
The restoration is checked and adjusted to help achieve a comfortable bite and functional result.
Benefits of Restorative Care
Restoring the tooth while preserving what can be saved.
Restore Tooth Structure
Restorative treatment can rebuild areas of tooth structure lost through decay or selected forms of damage.
Improve Function
Repairing a damaged tooth can help restore its shape and support normal chewing function.
Natural Appearance
Tooth-coloured materials can provide a more discreet appearance in appropriate cases.
Conservative Approach
Where clinically appropriate, direct restoration can be a way of repairing a tooth without replacing the entire visible crown.
Comfortable Bite
The restoration is shaped and checked to help maintain a comfortable relationship between the teeth.
Early Intervention
Timely dental assessment can help identify problems before more extensive restorative treatment may be required.
Clinical Assessment
Not every damaged tooth needs a filling.
The appropriate treatment depends on how much of the tooth has been affected and whether the tooth remains suitable for a direct restoration.
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The size and location of the affected area
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The remaining strength of the tooth
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Whether the tooth nerve is involved
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Your bite and functional requirements
Sometimes a different restoration is more appropriate.
Depending on the extent of tooth damage, treatment may involve an inlay, onlay, crown or root canal treatment rather than a simple filling. A clinical examination is needed to determine the appropriate option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dental fillings.
How do I know if I need a dental filling?
A dentist needs to examine the tooth to determine whether there is
decay or damage and whether a filling is the appropriate treatment.
Some cavities may not cause noticeable symptoms in their early
stages.
Are tooth-coloured fillings available?
Yes. Tooth-coloured composite restorations are commonly used in
appropriate cases and can be matched relatively closely to the
surrounding tooth structure.
Does getting a filling hurt?
Local anaesthesia may be used when required to make the procedure
comfortable. Your dentist will assess the tooth and explain the
procedure before treatment.
How long does a dental filling last?
The lifespan of a filling varies depending on the material, size
and location of the restoration, bite forces, oral hygiene and
other individual factors.
Can a filling repair a severely damaged tooth?
Not always. If a tooth has extensive structural damage, a crown,
root canal treatment or another restorative procedure may be more
appropriate. The decision requires a clinical assessment.
Take care of a damaged or painful tooth.
Schedule a dental consultation to have your tooth examined and understand the restorative options available for your situation.