Dental Fillings
What is a filling?
Fillings are used in dentistry to seal up any holes or replace small sections of lost tooth structure, making your tooth more functional and preventing further issues.
How long will my filling last?
The longevity of a filling can depend on the size, position, material used, as well as how well you maintain good oral hygiene. (Caring for fillings requires you to maintain your dental care routine, both with regular dental appointments and brushing and flossing every day.)
What sort of filling material do you use?
At Happy Smiles Dentist, we offer a different range of filling materials. They vary in how they look and their strength. Below are common types of fillings that we offer:
- Composite Resin Filling (also known as a composite filling) – A white or tooth-colored material that can be matched to your tooth color.
- Porcelain filling – This type of filling is longer lasting, helps improve the structural integrity of the tooth and can be matched to your tooth color.
- Amalgam – The Australian Dental Association continues to support the use of amalgam fillings. This material has been used for more than 100 years and is a very strong filling material. Although mercury can be toxic, amalgam is perfectly safe and effective to use on most people!
Do I need a filling?
Often fillings that are small are painless in the beginning. But over time as the filling gets larger it can start to become painful. Just like any dental treatment, it is best to get a filling done sooner rather than later so a little problem doesn’t turn into a big one.
If you are experiencing any pain or sensitivity to either hot or cold we recommend you book an appointment with us as soon as possible.
If you feel concerned and think you may need a filling, feel free to contact the Happy Smiles Dentist team on 02 9477 1803.
