Fillings

What are Dental Fillings?

Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures done everyday. Fillings are done to repair your broken or decayed tooth. There are a variery of options to best repair your tooth and make sure you can keep smiling and eating with confidence. The majority of the fillings we use are tooth coloured. This allows us to recreate your tooth's natural appearance and strength. However in certain circumstances, we may still use Amalgam (silver) fillings. 

Are Fillings painful?

A filling is usually done under local anesthetic so there will be no pain invovled. You may get some sensitivitity after the anaesthetic wears out. This senstivity may last for a week or more but it will fade away.

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How long do Fillings last?

Fillings don't last forever. They can become discolored. Composite, tooth-colored fillings pick up stains, and yellow or darken over time. When you chew, your teeth and any fillings in them are subjected to tremendous pressures. Even if no other problems develop, some fillings will wear out over time and will need to be replaced. A filling will need to be replaced earlier if it falls out, leaks or cracks. Bacteria and bits of food can seep down under a filling that is cracked or leaking. Since you can't clean there, the bacteria feed on the bits of food and form the acid that causes tooth decay. Decay under a filling can become extensive before you notice it or it causes you pain. This is why you should have your fillings checked regularly and get them replaced when problems are found

How to make Fillings last longer?

Although some fillings can last for many years, the average life of an amalgam filling is about 12 years. Composite fillings may not last this long.

We will check your fillings at every dental checkup.  You may need X-rays if we think that a filling might be cracked or leaking, or to see whether decay is occurring under the filling. Please contact us if your tooth is sensitive, if you see a crack or you see part of your tooth seems to be missing.  It is important to try to fix things while they are still a small problem!

Is it safe to use Amalgam Fillings?

Amalgam fillings have been used effectively in dentistry for many many decades. Many people have concerns over their safety and appearance. The Australian Dental Association is still supporting the use of dental Amalgam based on the World Health Organization and International Dental Federation which confirms the safety of amalgam as a filling material.  However, we will listen to your concerns regarding dental amalgam and will discuss the types of filling we use with your prior to any filling placements.

Should I replace all my Amalgam Fillings?

We find that this is a common question nowadays and our answer depends on the reason why your Amalgam filling is getting placed. Dental Amalgam are safe as a filling material, however we will replace your amalgam fillings if there is decay, fracture or the fillings is defective. Otherwise it may be best to leave these fillings are they are.