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Dental Fillings
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Dental Fillings in Greenvale, Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park, and Melbourne
A twinge when something cold or sweet hits a back tooth? Caught early, decay is usually a simple filling. At Greenvale Dental House, we deal with it before it becomes something bigger.
Decay Does Not Wait
Cavities do not heal on their own, and the longer they are left, the more tooth structure gets involved. What starts as a small area of decay can work its way deeper over time, turning what would have been a straightforward filling into something that needs a crown or worse.
We have helped families across Melbourne’s north-west get on top of decay early for nearly 40 years. Catching it sooner almost always means a simpler treatment.
Understanding Dental Fillings
A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay, a minor fracture, or wear. The process means clearing out the damaged material, cleaning the cavity, and placing a filling that restores the tooth’s shape and function. Today’s materials include tooth-coloured composite resin, glass ionomer, ceramic, and amalgam, each suited to different situations depending on where the tooth sits, how much damage there is, and what you need.
The goal is simple: remove what is damaged, keep what is healthy, and seal the tooth so decay cannot continue. How well a filling holds up depends on the material, the size of the cavity, bite forces, and how well the tooth is looked after going forward. Outcomes vary between patients.
Is a Filling the Right Treatment?
Fillings are one of the most common treatments in dentistry, but every case still needs proper assessment before anything happens. Generally, here is what needs to be in place.
You Have Tooth Decay or Minor Damage
There is a cavity to deal with before it grows, or minor damage such as a small chip or area of wear worth addressing before it progresses to something needing more involved treatment.
You Have Healthy Supporting Tooth Structure
Enough sound tooth needs to remain for the filling to bond to and function properly. Where the damage is more extensive, a different restoration such as a crown may be more appropriate.
You Are Committed to Prevention and Maintenance
A filling addresses the damage that has already happened. Keeping it in good shape means brushing and flossing consistently and coming back for regular check-ups so we can catch anything new early.
What to Expect in the Chair
Most fillings are completed in a single appointment. Here is what that visit usually looks like.
Comprehensive Assessment
We examine the tooth carefully, take digital X-rays to see how far the decay has gone, and talk through the material options that suit your situation. (1 visit, about 30 to 45 minutes)
Local Anaesthetic
We apply a topical numbing gel first, then give local anaesthetic so you are completely comfortable before anything else happens. (Same visit, about 10 to 15 minutes to take full effect)
Decay Removal
The decayed or damaged tooth structure is removed carefully, keeping as much healthy tooth intact as possible. (Same visit, about 15 to 30 minutes depending on cavity size)
Cavity Preparation and Cleaning
The prepared cavity is cleaned thoroughly and may be treated with an antibacterial solution before the filling goes in. (Same visit, about 5 to 10 minutes)
Filling Placement and Shaping
The material is placed and built up in layers if needed, then shaped to restore the natural contour of the tooth and adjusted so your bite feels right. (Same visit, about 15 to 30 minutes depending on material)
Polishing and Instructions
The filling is polished smooth, we do a final bite check, and you leave with clear instructions on what to expect over the next few days. (Same visit, about 10 to 15 minutes)
Risks and Recovery
A filling is about as routine as dentistry gets, but it is still worth knowing what can crop up afterwards.
Possible risks include:
- A few days of sensitivity to hot, cold, or biting pressure while the tooth settles
- A little gum tenderness right around where we worked
- Wear or a chip in the filling over the years, especially on a tooth that takes heavy chewing
- The odd tooth that turns out to be more damaged underneath than it looked, and may go on to need a crown or root canal
Recovery considerations:
- Most people head straight back to their day once the numbness wears off
- Any sensitivity tends to fade on its own within a few days
- Go gently on hard or sticky foods for the first little while
- A filling does best with regular check-ups, so we catch wear early rather than late
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Any questions?
How long do dental fillings last?
It varies with the material, the size of the filling, your bite, and how well the tooth is maintained. Composite and amalgam fillings both have solid track records, but neither lasts forever. Regular check-ups let us keep an eye on older fillings and deal with any wear before it becomes a bigger issue. We cannot give you a guaranteed number of years, but we can help you get the most out of them.
What is the difference between white and silver fillings?
White composite fillings match your tooth colour and bond directly to the tooth, which means less healthy tooth needs to be removed. Silver amalgam fillings are very durable and still a good choice in some situations, though they are more visible. We will talk through which material makes the most sense for your tooth during your appointment.
Will the procedure hurt?
It should not. Local anaesthetic means you will feel pressure and movement but not pain. Some sensitivity in the days afterwards is normal, particularly with composite fillings, and it generally settles on its own within a few days.
Making Your Smile Affordable
We offer flexible payment plans to suit your budget. Get the dental care you need, when you need it.
*Subject to finance approval. Terms and conditions apply.
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Catch It Early
If a tooth has been bothering you, or you are overdue for a check-up and suspect there is some decay to deal with, come and see us. Book at Greenvale Dental House and we will take a look and talk you through the simplest sensible option. There is no pressure to decide on the day. Call us or book online to visit Greenvale Dental House.
Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
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