Dental tooth filling | Book Today | Emergency Dentist

Tooth fillings are common dental procedures used to treat cavities (dental caries) and restore damaged or decayed teeth. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of tooth fillings, including their purpose, types, process, benefits, and aftercare.

A tooth filling involves removing the decayed part of a tooth and filling the cavity with a suitable material. Fillings restore the tooth's strength, shape, and function, while also preventing further decay and damage. It is often a bad idea to delay fillings as tooth cavities can grow. If the cavity is large, the tooth may need more invasive treatments or extraction. At Pure Dental Care emergency dental care is available today. As a gentle dentist, and our focus on in-depth education, we can make your session as comfortable and anxiety-free as possible.

There are different materials that can be used as a tooth filling.

  1. Amalgam Fillings: These types of fillings are made of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Amalgam is durable and can withstand chewing forces, but they are silver in color, often turning black over time, and may be more noticeable. This material is slowly being phased out, and is no longer used in common practice.

  2. Composite Fillings: These fillings are made from a mixture of plastic resin and glass or ceramic particles. They blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and are a popular choice for visible areas, like the front teeth. At Pure Dental Care we only offer tooth coloured (white) fillings for our direct restorations.

  3. Ceramic Fillings: These types of fillings are made from porcelain or other ceramic materials. They are highly resistant to staining and offer a natural appearance. On occasion, we can apply ceramic fillings, however a waiting period applies, as external labwork is needed.

  4. Gold Fillings: Gold fillings are made from a combination of gold, copper, and other metals. They are known for their durability and longevity. We are happy to supply this type of filling, according to patient preference.

Filling a tooth starts with anasthesia. Before the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area, ensuring your comfort during the treatment. The dentist will then remove the decayed portion of the tooth using dental tools, leaving behind a clean and well-shaped cavity. This shape need to have a structure and surface finish that will encourage adhesion of the filling to the cavity. The complexity of the cavity increases when it is on the side walls of the tooth, or it is underneath the gumline. The cavity is then cleaned, and an etch may be applied to maximise adhesion and longevity of the filling. The next and most important step is to apply the filling evenly within the cavity. The chosen filling material is placed in the prepared cavity layer by layer. This procedure ensures that all the nooks and cranies of the cavity are filled. Composite fillings are generally cured with UV light layer-by-layer to ensure the entire filling has fully hardened. At the end of the procedure, the dentist will shape and polish the exterior surface of the filling. This makes sure that it is shaped to fit your bite and has a smooth and natural finish. Our focus on gentle dentistry means this stage can be easy and relatively pain-free.

Why have a filling? First and foremost, this procedure will restore the tooth’s ability to chew and bite effectively. It also means that further decay is prevented from spreading and causing more extensive damage. If the decay is on the front teeth, the procedure will enhance the appearance of the tooth. Composite or ceramic fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you an good-looking smile. Filling a cavity protects the remaining healthy tooth structure, avoiding the need for more invasive treatments like crowns or extractions. Although fillings are common practice, being performed hundreds of times per month, anxiety can be quite natural. Our dentists will go as slow as necessary to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

As with most things, prevention is better than cure. Ideally, you can prevent cavities by following a strict brushing and flossing regimen. However, if you do need a filling, there may be some tooth sensitivity to watch out for. Some sensitivity to temperature changes is normal after getting a filling. It usually subsides within a few weeks. You should avoid chewing hard objects like ice, hard candies, or other hard objects. Finally, it is best to catch a cavity early so try to schedule dental check-ups every 6 months to monitor the condition of your fillings and ensure your other teeth are in good health.

Tooth fillings are a crucial dental treatment that restores and preserves teeth affected by decay or damage. By understanding the types, process, benefits, and aftercare of tooth fillings, you can take proactive steps to maintain your oral health. If you have any questions or concerns about tooth fillings or your dental health, reach out to us for personalized guidance and recommendations.

Emergency Tooth Fillings in Thornleigh - appointments available today

Where to find us:

We’re located on the ground level of the new apartment blocks near Thornleigh station. We are a short walk from Thornleigh station, and there’s plenty of free parking for those coming from Normanhurst, Pennant Hills, and Westleigh.

Our address is Unit 58, 266 Pennant Hills Rd, Thornleigh.

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Still Unsure…

Reach out to our friendly team, and we’d be happy to address any questions or concerns. We believe in giving our patients every opportunity to ask questions to help them make the best decisions on their health.

You can contact us on 0493 532 171, use our contact form or book an appointment online.

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