Do you have a decayed, chipped, or broken tooth that needs filling? Look no further than Moorooka Dental Care for expert dental care.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are restorative materials used by dentists to repair teeth that have been damaged due to decay, fractures, or other factors. These fillings serve to restore the tooth’s structure and function while preventing further decay or deterioration.
What Materials Are Dental Fillings Made From?
Dental fillings are made from various materials, each with its own advantages and considerations. Some of the most common materials used for dental fillings include:
Amalgam (Silver Fillings)
Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They are durable and have been used for decades. However, their silver color makes them more noticeable, and some people have concerns about the mercury content.
Composite Resin (Tooth-Coloured Fillings)
Composite fillings are a popular choice because they blend with the natural colour of teeth, making them less noticeable. They are made from a mixture of plastic and glass materials. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, which often requires less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to amalgam.
Ceramic or Porcelain Fillings
These fillings are custom-made to match the colour of your natural teeth. They are highly resistant to staining and can be a good option for restoring front teeth or other visible areas.
Glass Ionomer
Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride over time, which can help prevent further decay. They are often used for fillings on baby teeth or for small non-load-bearing fillings.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are durable and can last a long time. They are often used in areas where the filling is not highly visible.
Ceramic Inlays/Onlay
These are custom-made fillings that are created in a dental laboratory and then bonded to the tooth. They can be made from materials like porcelain and are suitable for larger cavities.
Preferred Health Fund
Providers with:
Dental Fillings at Moorooka Dental Care
We utilise tooth-coloured composite fillings exclusively. For single-tooth cases requiring a filling, we strive to provide treatment on the same day. However, if multiple fillings are needed, a subsequent appointment may be necessary for your convenience.
Our practice ensures that all patients receive a pricing estimate for their fillings following the initial consultation and before any dental procedure takes place. The cost is determined by the size of the filling required and the chosen material. While an exact filling cost can’t be provided prior to the dental examination, we are more than happy to offer a price range when you inquire over the phone.
What Are the Steps Involved in Filling a Tooth?
Filling a tooth involves several steps to restore its structure and function: First, the dentist numbs the area to ensure comfort during the procedure. The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is removed, leaving a clean space.
The dentist then prepares the space for the filling by shaping it and ensuring a proper fit. The chosen filling material, such as tooth-coloured composite, is carefully placed in the prepared space and shaped to match the natural tooth contours.
The filling is hardened using a curing light, and any final adjustments are made to ensure comfort and proper bite alignment. The tooth is polished to a smooth finish, and the patient can leave with a restored tooth that looks and functions as it should.
Why or When Would a Dental Filling Need to be Replaced?
Dental fillings may need to be replaced for various reasons and over time due to factors such as wear, deterioration, or changes in oral health. As fillings age, they can experience wear and tear from normal biting and chewing, leading to surface roughness or even small cracks. Additionally, the surrounding tooth structure might undergo changes, potentially causing the filling to become loose or compromised.
Recurrent decay can also occur around the edges of a filling, necessitating replacement to restore the tooth’s integrity. Changes in oral hygiene habits, diet, or other oral health conditions might contribute to these issues. Regular dental check-ups enable dentists to monitor the condition of existing fillings and recommend replacement when necessary, ensuring the continued health and longevity of the restored tooth.
What our patients say
Where to find us
Moorooka Dental Care
Shop C, 132 Beaudesert Road,
Moorooka QLD 4105
Tel: (07) 3848 3193
Public Transport:
From the city to Moorooka Dental Care, you may hop on the buses with numbers 110/125/115 /124. If you are travelling from the south side, you may take the buses with the numbers 110/115/117/124/125.
Our practice is 1.9km from the Moorooka train station.
