Dental Fillings

When getting a dental filling, there are several steps involved that you can expect during the procedure. Here’s an overview:

1. Numbing the area: Your local dentist will start by applying a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. This ensures that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
2. Removal of decay: The dentist will use a dental drill or laser to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. This step is vital to clean the affected area and prevent further decay.
3. Tooth preparation: After removing the decay, the dentist will shape the tooth to create space for the filling material. This may involve etching or roughening the tooth surface to enhance the bonding of the filling.
4. Placing the filling: Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will apply the chosen filling material, such as composite resin, amalgam, or ceramic. The material is carefully placed in layers and shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth.
5. Curing and polishing: If a tooth-coloured filling material is used, it may need to be cured with a special light to harden and set it in place. The dentist will then polish the filling, making it smooth and comfortable within your bite.

Our Restorative Dentists will ensure your comfort throughout the procedure and provide appropriate dental tools and techniques to minimize discomfort. After the filling is placed, you may experience temporary sensitivity, but this should subside in a few days.

At Amazing Smiles, our compassionate team aim to ensure your comfort throughout the entire process.

Proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, are important to maintain the longevity of your filling and prevent future cavities.

The cost of a dental filling in Australia can vary depending on several factors, including the filling material used and the size and location of the cavity. On average, a dental filling can range anywhere from $200 to $500 per tooth for a simple composite resin filling, while a more extensive procedure such as a crown or root canal can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 per tooth. Prices often vary based upon complexity of each case.

After an initial check-up and clean, our general dental team can thoroughly examine your oral health to determine an accurate quote to treat your teeth with a dental filling.

It’s worth noting that private health insurance can often cover a portion of the cost of dental fillings. At Amazing Smiles, we offer payment plans to help patients manage the cost of their treatment. It’s always best to consult with our dentist or contact our team to discuss in detail a more accurate estimate based on your oral health needs and circumstances.

Dental Filling Item Numbers (treatments may differ based on patients’ needs):

• Metallic Restorations – Direct
  • 511 Metallic restoration – one surface – direct
  • 512 Metallic restoration – two surfaces – direct
  • 513 Metallic restoration – three surfaces – direct
  • 514 Metallic restoration – four surfaces – direct
  • 515 Metallic restoration – five surfaces – direct
• Adhesive Restorations – Anterior Teeth – Direct
  • 521 Adhesive restoration – one surface – anterior tooth – direct
  • 522 Adhesive restoration – two surfaces – anterior tooth – direct
  • 523 Adhesive restoration – three surfaces – anterior tooth – direct
  • 524 Adhesive restoration – four surfaces – anterior tooth – direct
  • 525 Adhesive restoration – five surfaces – anterior tooth – direct
  • 526 Adhesive restoration – veneer – anterior tooth – direct
• Adhesive Restorations – Posterior Teeth – Direct
  • 531 Adhesive restoration – one surface – posterior tooth – direct
  • 532 Adhesive restoration – two surfaces – posterior tooth – direct
  • 533 Adhesive restoration – three surfaces – posterior tooth – direct
  • 534 Adhesive restoration – four surfaces – posterior tooth – direct
  • 535 Adhesive restoration – five surfaces – posterior tooth – direct
  • 536 Adhesive restoration – veneer – posterior tooth – direct
• Metallic Restorations – Indirect
  • 541 Metallic restoration – one surface – indirect
  • 542 Metallic restoration – two surfaces – indirect
  • 543 Metallic restoration – three surfaces – indirect
  • 544 Metallic restoration – four surfaces – indirect
  • 545 Metallic restoration – five surfaces – indirect
• Tooth-coloured Restorations – Indirect
  • 551 Tooth-coloured restoration – one surface – indirect
  • 552 Tooth-coloured restoration – two surfaces – indirect
  • 553 Tooth-coloured restoration – three surfaces – indirect
  • 554 Tooth-coloured restoration – four surfaces – indirect
  • 555 Tooth-coloured restoration – five surfaces – indirect
  • 556 Tooth-coloured – veneer – indirect

Yes, the Child Dental Benefits Scheme by the Australian Governemnt covers the following services for eligible kids:

• X-rays
• Scale and Cleans
• Fillings
• Root canal treatments

There are some risks associated with dental fillings, although they are relatively rare. The most common risk is an allergic reaction to the filling material, which can cause swelling, itching, and other symptoms. Another risk is damage to the nerve of the tooth, which can result in sensitivity or pain. In rare cases, fillings can come loose or fall out, and there is also a risk of infection if bacteria enter the filling site.

However, these risks can be minimized by using high-quality filling materials and following proper dental hygiene practices. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions with your dentist before getting a filling.

Dental filling and composite bonding are procedures used to restore damaged or decayed teeth. The main difference between them is the material used. A dental filling involves removing the decayed part of the tooth and filling the cavity with a material such as an amalgam or composite resin. Conversely, composite bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured resin directly to the tooth’s surface and shaping it to match the surrounding teeth.

Dental fillings are typically used to repair moderate to severe cavities or damage to a tooth. They are more durable and longer-lasting than composite bonding and can withstand the forces of biting and chewing. Composite bonding, on the other hand, is typically used to repair minor cosmetic imperfections such as chips, cracks, or gaps in the teeth. It is less invasive than dental fillings, as it typically requires less removal of the natural tooth structure. The lifespan of composite bonding is generally shorter than dental fillings and may require more frequent touch-ups or replacements.

If a dental filling falls out or breaks, it is important to take prompt action to prevent further complications. Here is a summary of what a patient must do in such a situation:

1. Contact Your Dentist: Notify your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Explain the situation and details the filling that fell out or broke. Your dentist will guide you on the next steps to take.
2. Protect the Tooth: If the filling has left a cavity or exposed part of the tooth, be careful when eating or drinking to avoid further damage. Avoid consuming hot or cold foods and beverages that may cause sensitivity or discomfort.
3. Clean the Area: Gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to keep the area clean and free from bacteria. This can help prevent infection until you can see your dentist.
4. Preserve the Filling (If Possible): If the filling has come out completely and is intact, you can try to keep it safe. Place it in a clean container or wrap it in moist gauze or tissue to prevent it from drying out. Show it to your dentist during your appointment.
5. Avoid Temporary Fixes: While using over-the-counter dental cement or temporary filling materials may be tempting, it is best to avoid them. These products are not designed for long-term use and may interfere with proper treatment by your dentist.

Remember, seeking professional dental care is crucial when a filling falls or breaks. Your dentist will assess the situation, recommend appropriate treatment, and restore the tooth to ensure its functionality and protection.

At Amazing Smiles, our dental professionals strive to provide the highest quality care and durable restorations. Unfortunately, we’re unable to provide a warrant on dental fillings. It is essential to understand why they cannot offer warranties for dental fillings. However, there are some circumstances where a dentist may attend to a patient’s concerns, particularly within a few days or weeks after receiving a filling. The individual dentist determines such circumstances.

Several factors contribute to the challenges of guaranteeing the longevity and effectiveness of dental fillings.

1. Patient Responsibility: One of the primary reasons dentists cannot offer warranties for dental fillings is the inability to monitor how patients manage their teeth at home. Oral health is a collaborative effort between the dentist and the patient. Patients play a crucial role in maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding habits that can compromise the integrity of the dental filling. Without direct oversight of patient behaviours, it becomes challenging for dentists to ensure optimal longevity of dental fillings.
2. Daily Oral Health Habits: The success and durability of dental fillings rely heavily on a patient’s daily oral health habits. While dentists can guide proper oral hygiene practices, they cannot directly observe and monitor these habits daily. Consistency in brushing and flossing and the use of recommended oral care products are essential for maintaining the health of the filling and surrounding teeth. Any lapse in oral hygiene can increase the risk of new decay or damage to the filling, which may compromise its longevity.
3. Dietary Choices: Diet plays a significant role in oral health and the lifespan of dental fillings. Certain foods and beverages, significantly high in sugar and acidity, can increase the risk of tooth decay and erosion risk. Dentists advise healthy dietary choices to protect the teeth and dental fillings. However, they have limited control over patients’ dietary decisions and cannot ensure adherence to recommended guidelines. Poor nutritional choices can accelerate the breakdown of dental fillings and necessitate early replacements.

By adopting good oral hygiene practices, following dietary recommendations, and attending regular dental check-ups, patients can optimize the longevity of their dental fillings and minimize the need for additional treatments or replacements.