Dental Filling
Fillings are one of the simplest and most frequently performed dental procedures. Used to repair damage made by decay or injury to the teeth, they restore health, function, integrity and shape to the tooth. Performing fillings is considered one of the main services of general dentistry.
Without fillings, tooth decay can worsen into large cavities in the tooth, causing pain, sensitivity and increasing the risk of infection. A filling can be made of porcelain, amalgam, gold or composite material.
If your teeth require cavity filling, either new or a replacement, contact the team at Cranebrook Dental today to make an appointment.
Signs You May Need A Filling
- Sharp pain or a consistent throbbing toothache.
- A visible hole or dark spot on the tooth.
- Pain when chewing or when pressing on the tooth.
- You believe a previous filling has fallen out or is causing you pain.
- Sudden or increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks.
What Does A Filling Do?
What to Expect During the Dental Filling Procedure
Should your dentist discover a cavity in your tooth during a check-up and clean of your teeth, they will suggest a filling. Depending on its location, you may need an x-ray to help give a better picture of how extensive the decay is.
If the cavity is small and superficial (not extending beyond the enamel) you may not require any anesthetic. Fillings on these cavities are quick and usually painless. For cavities in teeth that extend beyond the enamel and into the dentine or pulp, an anesthetic is required.
- Anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding gum.
- A tool such as a drill, laser technology or air abrasion instrument will be used to remove all signs of decay.
- Using a dental pick or similar, your dentist will probe the area to check all decay is removed.
- The area is then thoroughly cleaned to ensure it is free of bacteria and debris.
- The filling material is prepared and applied to the tooth. Tooth coloured fillings are done in layers with a special curing light applied to harden the material.
- Once cured, the filling is then polished and shaped.
- You will be asked to rinse your mouth and check the comfort of your bite. If the filling feels uncomfortable your dentist may have you bite down on inked paper. This will help them to accurately remove any material that is impairing your usual bite.
If you are having an old filling replaced, the process is much the same. Instead of decay removed in step two, however, the old filling will be drilled out.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last
The longevity of a dental filling depends on what it is made of. Gold fillings last between 15-20 years, amalgam (silver) fillings between 5-25 years and composite or resin between 5-15 years.
On average, however, most fillings will last around 10 years before needing revision. Of course, your oral hygiene and lifestyle will also impact on how well your fillings last. Routine visits to your dentist are the best way to help avoid future cavity filling.
Repeated filling of the same teeth may lead to you eventually requiring crowns or dental implants. This is due to the integrity and health of the teeth degrading with each treatment. Your Cranebrook dentist will discuss your options for this as needed.
Call Our Cranebrook Dental Clinic
Opening Hours
Our friendly Cranebrook dental clinic is open 6 days a week to provide quality dentistry to surrounding suburbs of Cranebrook, such as nearby Penrith.
To arrange cavity filling in Cranebrook or another quality service, call Cranebrook dental today.
Your Cranebrook Dental Clinic
A Friendly Dental Team Headed By Local Cranebrook Dentists
Expert care by highly trained professionals that live in and know your community, our team offers continuity of care for you and your family. From infancy to your golden years, your Cranebrook Dental Clinic is invested in the lifetime of your smile.
Located centrally and easy to find, we are accessible on the ground floor and offer ample parking on site.
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed