Dental Services

Fillings

Removing decay and repairing your tooth.

It is important to take care of your oral health and wellness to reduce the chance of needing a filling. Regular trips to your dentist will help to identify problem areas before they become cavities or decay in the tooth. If you do have decay, we can treat it and repair your tooth. It is important to discuss with your dentist how to prevent decay in the future.

What are fillings?

Fillings help to restore your damaged teeth to their normal shape and function. Your dentist will first remove the decay from inside your tooth. Depending on the damage to your tooth, there are several types of fillings.

Common signs you may need a filling include:

  • Sensitivity of the tooth to cold or sugary foods
  • Toothache or pain, in or near the tooth
  • A hole in the tooth that is visible to see or feel

We recommend visiting your dentist regularly for routine check-ups to identify any problem areas early. Tackling problems early means that treatment will be less invasive and more affordable.

We believe that prevention is the key to a healthy mouth.

Icon Filling Graphic

What happens?

Your Maven dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and the area around it. To make you feel as comfortable as possible, we will make sure that you can’t feel anything before the decay is removed. After the tooth has been prepared, we restore the tooth with a filling material.  The type of filling material that is used will be discussed with you beforehand and will depend on the extent of the decay, the location of the cavity and your personal preference.

Filling types available

The type of filling that your Maven dentist uses to fill your cavity will depend on a few contributing factors. Your dentist will discuss all the options with you before your treatment.

Amalgam Fillings

Also known as traditional silver fillings. These are a combination (or “amalgam’) of several metals including silver, tin, copper and mercury. Amalgam fillings are usually lower cost, easier to place and, because of their strength, may be more appropriate for larger cavities. Amalgam has been safely in dentistry for over 150 years and still has a place today.

Composite white fillings

Composite or synthetic white fillings are the most popular due to their natural tooth colour appearance and good seal to the tooth strength. They are matched to the colour of your teeth as closely as possible. They are often used as a replacement for stained, chipped or leaking fillings.

 

 

Gold Fillings

Gold fillings (or inlays) are very strong, durable and don’t corrode. Placing a gold inlay is a two stage procedure, so this treatment is more expensive.  Some people may not like the colour of the restoration.

Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain or ceramic onlays or inlays are also a two stage procedure. They have a natural appearance that is matched to your tooth colour.

Glass ionomer cement fillings

Glass ionomer is a tooth-coloured material similar to dental cement that can also be used as a sealant. This is not as strong as other materials and is often used as a temporary filling or as a base under other filling materials.

Need to know

Appointments

  • Usually 2 appointments
    • At the consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth
    • At the next, you will have the treatment
    • Gold or porcelain fillings will require an additional appointment, as they require time to be made in the dental lab.

How long it takes

  • The consultation and dental check-up can take around 30 to 60 minutes
  • Getting the filing can take around 30 to 60 minutes

You may be asked about

  • Your dental and medical history
  • Your normal oral care routine at home

Before your appointment

No special preparation needed

After your appointment

  • Be careful not to bite your lips or cheek while they are still numb after your treatment
  • Your dentist may tell you to avoid eating for a short time after your filling
  • Maintain good oral hygiene habits between appointments

Quick tip

Your hygienist will give you advice about daily dental care like teeth brushing and flossing techniques.

FAQs

The cost of fillings depends on the material used to fill the cavity in your tooth. When you visit your dental practice, they will let you know the price of your filling once they have examined your teeth.

Yes. It all comes down to taking care of your oral health, with a combination of at-home dental care and building a regular relationship with your dentist or dental hygienist.

We recommend daily healthy habits and regular visits to the dentist. For a healthy smile and overall good oral health:

  • Practice good oral hygiene habits at home including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day
  • Book routine hygiene & check-up visits with a dentist or dental hygienist ideally every 6 months or as advised by your dentist

We make sure that you are as comfortable as possible for the duration of your visit.  With local anaesthetic you don’t experience any pain while getting a filling.  At your examination, your dentist can identify any problems in your mouth, discuss any symptoms you may have experienced and recommend the best treatments.  If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, we suggest you visit a dentist as soon as possible.