Tooth Coloured Restorations

What is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a restoration which fills a cavity inside a tooth. A filling is used to repair worn, decayed or damaged teeth, so that your teeth can function normally.

Teeth that need fillings will be detected during a dental examination. Sometimes x-rays will be needed to pinpoint the location and extent of the decay.

What’s involved?

You will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues so that you don’t feel discomfort. The decayed tooth structure will be removed and the tooth cleaned. Filling material, known as composite resin, will be placed in the cavity, set and then polished.

After the treatment, it is possible your tooth may be sensitive to pressure, cold air, sweet foods for the first few days. If this persists, please contact us so that the cause can be investigated.

What is the long term prognosis?

The lifespan of a filling is variable depending on its size, position, the stress exerted on it, your oral hygiene and lifestyle factors.   In ideal situations, a filling can last many years.

Should you have any further queries about fillings, please feel free to ask your Gentle Dentist at Mt Warren Park.