DENTAL FILLINGS GOLD COAST & BRISBANE

Dental Fillings

Natural, subtle fillings can help to preserve the health and functionality of your teeth.

Despite doing the very best you can at maintaining excellent oral hygiene standards, sometimes dental problems still occur. Dental fillings are a common treatment for teeth that have developed holes, begun to decay or have suffered some sort of mild trauma. Complete Dental in Coorparoo & Elanora offers several types of fillings to suit your unique case.

Which types of dental fillings are available at Complete Dental in Coorparoo & Elanora?

are made of resin and are the most common choice by patients and dentists alike. These tooth-coloured fillings are durable, malleable and subtle, as they are matched to the colour of your existing natural tooth. They are bonded to the tooth using a blue light, to ensure that the filling hardens and stays in place.

Gold dental fillings are, as the name suggests, made of gold and are of gold appearance. They are more expensive than their more contemporary counterparts, yet offer a highly durable and long-lasting solution.

Another tooth-coloured, subtle option is glass ionomer cement fillings. These can usually be used on parts of the tooth that are not weight-bearing, or are not subject to strong forces.

The main advantage of glass ionomer cement fillings is that they release a small amount of fluoride over time, preventing decay beneath and around the filling.

How are dental fillings done?

Thanks to modern dental techniques, getting a filling is a virtually pain-free experience. Your dentist at Complete Dental in Coorparoo & Elanora will ensure that you are comfortable during your treatment, by numbing the affected area and working gently.

During the procedure, the decay will be removed using specialised dental tools and the cavity then disinfected. The tooth will then be ready to be repaired using the chosen filling material. The filling material, once almost hardened, will be moulded to the natural shape of the tooth, creating sturdy, yet subtle results.

How long do dental fillings last?

Dental fillings generally have a long lifespan, but everyday factors, like chewy candies or teeth grinding, may jeopardise the filling’s longevity. Typically, a filling can last between 10 to 15 years. At some stage, however, all fillings will need to be replaced.

What do dental fillings cost?

The cost of dental fillings can vary, depending on the chosen material and on the extent of damage to the tooth. Your dentist can advise on how much your treatment is likely to cost at your initial assessment.

Should I remove my amalgam filling?

If you, or someone you know has a silver-coloured filling in their tooth, it is probably an amalgam filling. Amalgam fillings are an out-dated technique that uses a combination of metals that can contain toxic mercury. They can cause irreversible cracking and damage to the tooth in the long-term.

We don’t place amalgam fillings very often but we find that in some situations they are needed. They are a cheaper option than composite. We however, don’t recommend replacing them unless it is necessary (defective or recurrent decay).

If you think you may have a cavity, or if your teeth need the care only a dentist can provide, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team and book an appointment today.