Filling (Restoration)
Restorations, or better known as Fillings, restore the lost structure of your tooth which has been decayed or broken. Decay is an infection in the hard part of your tooth, caused by bacteria that feed on your tooth and create holes (cavities) that are usually unseen to the naked eye until they become quite large. We use composite for restorations, which is a tooth-coloured material and bonds to your tooth to ensure it will not fall out. If you have a small cavity or chip, composite comes in many shades to match the colour of your tooth, so a small restoration is the best way to go and works well for many years.
If you have a large cavity or a large filling has been lost, composite restorations can be used but wonβt last forever. We always do the highest quality work so we have no doubt it will work well, but the strength of the material and bond will deteriorate over time. Some strength needs to be increased to avoid the tooth or restoration breaking, which we can achieve with some stronger materials (See Crowns and Porcelain Restorations).
It is very important to treat decay or fractured teeth sooner rather than later, as every day that they are not treated they get larger, or have an increased risk of fracturing. Even if you are not able to afford the treatment immediately or donβt have the time to have it fixed, having it assessed and a plan made, with advice on the time frame, is essential to prevent further issues (See Root Canal Treatment).
If you have any teeth with decay or fractures or havenβt had a checkup in the last 6 to 12 months, please give us a call or book online to ensure we can identify and treat any issues before they get worse!
Signs You May Need a Filling
Early decay usually has no symptoms, which is why regular check-ups are so important. Common signs include:
- Sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold food and drinks
- A sharp pain when biting
- A visible hole, dark spot or stain on a tooth
- A chipped or rough edge
- Food regularly getting stuck between two teeth
- An old filling that is cracked, loose or has fallen out
Tooth-Coloured Fillings in Yamanto
At Tranquility Dentistry we use composite resin, a tooth-coloured material that bonds directly to your tooth. Because it bonds, we can often remove less healthy tooth structure than with older silver fillings, and the result blends in naturally with your smile.
Composite comes in many shades, so small fillings and repairs to chipped teeth are virtually invisible. For larger cavities, where a filling alone may not be strong enough, we may recommend a porcelain restoration or crown for extra strength.
What to Expect at Your Filling Appointment
Most fillings take between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and number of teeth.
1. Numbing the tooth
We make sure the tooth is comfortable before we start. Very small fillings sometimes donβt need anaesthetic at all.
2. Removing decay
We gently remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth and clean the area.
3. Placing the filling
Composite is applied in layers and set with a special light, then shaped to fit your bite.
4. Polishing
Your filling is polished so it feels smooth and natural. You can eat as soon as the numbness wears off.
Why Treat Decay Early?
Tooth decay doesnβt stop on its own. Every day it goes untreated, a cavity can grow larger, until it reaches the nerve and causes toothache or infection that may need root canal treatment or an extraction. Small fillings are quicker, simpler and much more affordable.
Health fund rebates vary depending on your fund and level of cover, and we process claims on the spot with HICAPS. Eligible children can have fillings covered under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. If you canβt go ahead straight away, weβll still assess the tooth and give you a plan with advice on how urgent it is.
Havenβt had a check-up in the last 6β12 months? Book in at our Yamanto clinic. We see families from Ipswich, Raceview, Flinders View, Deebing Heights, Ripley, Springfield and surrounding suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Dental Fillings
What is a dental filling?
A filling (or restoration) repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay or a chip. We remove the decay, clean the area and rebuild the tooth with a strong tooth-coloured material. Fillings stop decay from spreading and restore normal chewing. We provide fillings for adults and children at our Yamanto clinic, near Ipswich.
How do I know if I need a filling?
Early decay often has no symptoms, which is why regular check-ups matter. Signs you may need a filling include sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold, a sharp pain when biting, a visible hole or dark spot, a rough or chipped edge, or food regularly catching between teeth.
What type of fillings do you use?
We use composite resin, a tooth-coloured material that bonds directly to your tooth so it will not fall out. It comes in many shades to match your natural tooth colour. For larger repairs, we may recommend a stronger porcelain restoration or a crown.
Do you do amalgam (silver) fillings?
We use tooth-coloured composite for our fillings, which looks natural and bonds to the tooth, meaning less healthy tooth needs to be removed. If you have old silver fillings that are cracked or leaking, we can assess them at your check-up.
Does getting a filling hurt?
No. We make sure the tooth is completely numb before we begin, so you should only feel some pressure or vibration. Very small fillings sometimes do not need anaesthetic at all. For anxious patients, nitrous oxide (happy gas) is available at our Yamanto practice.
How long does a filling appointment take?
Most fillings take between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and number of teeth being treated. We will let you know how long to allow when you book.
How long do tooth-coloured fillings last?
Small composite fillings can last many years. Larger fillings are under more stress and the material and bond gradually weaken over time, so they may eventually need replacing or upgrading to a stronger restoration. Regular check-ups let us monitor them.
What happens if I donβt get a cavity filled?
Decay keeps growing. A small cavity can become large enough to reach the nerve, causing toothache and infection that may require root canal treatment or an extraction. Treating decay early is quicker, simpler and more affordable.
Can a filling fix a chipped tooth?
Yes. Small chips and broken edges can often be repaired with composite in a single visit, shaped and colour-matched to blend in with your tooth. Larger breaks may need a crown to protect the tooth.
My tooth is sensitive after a filling. Is that normal?
Mild sensitivity to cold or biting for a few days, sometimes a couple of weeks, is common after a deep filling. If the tooth feels βhighβ when you bite, or pain gets worse rather than better, call us on (07) 3060 4724 so we can adjust or check it.
Can I eat after a filling?
Composite fillings set straight away, so you can eat once the numbness wears off. Wait until then to avoid biting your cheek or tongue, and take care with very hot drinks.
How much does a filling cost in Ipswich?
The cost depends on the size of the filling and how many surfaces of the tooth are involved. We will explain the cost before starting. Health fund rebates vary depending on your fund and level of cover, and we claim instantly through HICAPS.
Are fillings covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Yes. Fillings are among the services covered under the CDBS for eligible children, which provides up to $1,000 of dental treatment. Contact our clinic with your childβs Medicare details and we can check eligibility.
Do children need fillings in baby teeth?
Often, yes. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and are needed for eating and speaking. Untreated decay can cause pain, infection and damage to the developing adult teeth. We take a gentle, patient approach with children. See our childrenβs dentistry page.
How can I prevent needing more fillings?
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals
- Drink tap water (it contains fluoride)
- Have fissure seals placed on childrenβs back teeth
- Visit us every 6β12 months for a check-up and clean
Can old fillings be replaced?
Yes. Old fillings that are cracked, leaking, discoloured or have decay around them can be replaced. We will check your existing fillings at each check-up and let you know if any need attention.
Can I get a filling if I canβt afford treatment right now?
We always recommend having decay assessed, even if you cannot proceed straight away. We will create a plan with advice on how urgent each tooth is. Payment plans through Zippay, Afterpay and DentiCare are also available (subject to approval).
Can I get a same-day filling in Yamanto?
Often, yes. If you have a toothache or broken tooth, call before noon and we will guarantee you an appointment that day. Where time allows, we can place the filling at the same visit.
Which suburbs do you see for fillings?
Our clinic at Shop 7, 428 Warwick Road, Yamanto, is close to Raceview and Flinders View and easy to reach from Deebing Heights, Ripley, Providence, Amberley, Willowbank, Walloon, Springfield, Collingwood Park, Redbank, Brassall and Karalee. Everyone is welcome.
How do I book a filling appointment?
Call us on (07) 3060 4724, email info@tranquilitydentistry.com.au or book online. If you have not had a check-up in the last 6β12 months, book one now so we can find small problems before they become big ones.
