Dental Fillings Gladstone
Repairing cavities to restore strength, function, and comfort to your tooth
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Dental fillings treat cavities and restore damaged teeth. Treatment stays straightforward and efficient. Many appointments fit easily into a work break.
A filling stops decay from spreading and relieves discomfort caused by cavities. This supports comfort, function, and long term oral health. Tooth decay affects more than ninety percent of Australians with adult teeth, which makes fillings one of the most common treatments provided.
What are dental fillings?
When you have a cavity in your tooth, it means there is a hole in the centre of that tooth. These holes are bad for several reasons.
Cavities can expose the nerves in your teeth, which can cause anything from minor discomfort due to greater sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink, to significant pain due to nerve damage. Additionally, if the nerve dies, you will likely need a larger procedure to treat the tooth, such as a root canal.
Cavities can also weaken the tooth itself, which can lead to further chipping, cracks, and damage.
For these reasons, the hole will need to be cleaned and filled with a ‘filling’ to avoid pain, discomfort, and further damage to the tooth and your overall oral health. These fillings are usually made from a material called ‘amalgam’, but can also be made from composite resin, gold, or porcelain (more on these materials below).
Your dentist will suggest the best option for your teeth - it usually depends on the placement of the tooth that needs a filling - and you can decide on the best filling material together.
The different types of filling materials
There are several options for the actual material filling your tooth. Your dentist will recommend the best for your situation:
Amalgam fillings
Amalgam fillings contain metal alloys including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They adapt well to cavities and harden quickly. These fillings remain strong but show a silver colour, which makes them visible.
Composite resin fillings
Composite fillings match natural tooth colour. The resin stays mouldable during placement and hardens under a curing light. These fillings suit visible areas and repairs for chips or worn edges. Durability suits everyday use.
Gold fillings
Gold fillings offer strength and long wear. They resist corrosion and last for many years. Cost and colour make them less common.
Porcelain fillings
Porcelain fillings suit inlays and onlays. They restore teeth with larger areas of damage. Porcelain matches tooth colour and provides strength beyond composite resin. Treatment usually involves two visits.
The advantages of dental fillings
Dental fillings are a popular option for the following reasons:
- Prevent further damage and discomfort: A lot of dental discomfort and damage comes from cavities and dental decay, and a dental filling is a great way to stop the damage and treat the pain.
- Quick and easy: Dental fillings are extremely quick and easy. Most people will be in and out within 30 minutes, so it can be completed during a work break.
- Long-lasting: With good dental care, dental fillings will generally last for at least a decade. Fillings made from gold can last for even longer, for as much as 20 years or more.
- Maintain natural tooth structure: Dental fillings preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. This supports strength and stability while avoiding more extensive treatment.
How do dental fillings work?
Even if you think you have a cavity, your dentist will still want to book a check-up to inspect and confirm the issue. They will then book a second appointment to have the filling done.
Here is what to expect during your dental filling appointment:
- Your dentist will inject a local anaesthetic to completely numb the area
- They will use a special tool to remove the decay from the tooth
- They will fill the cavity
- They will shape and polish the tooth so it feels natural to bite onto
- The area will still feel numb for a few hours following the treatment
- The whole treatment will usually only take 20-30 minutes
- The site may feel a little tender for the next day, so avoid biting down on hard foods
- Your dentist will check on the filling during your next routine appointment
Signs of tooth decay
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
Ongoing ache around a tooth
Pain during biting
Visible holes or dark marks on teeth
How to avoid tooth decay
Daily brushing, flossing, and routine check ups reduce decay risk. Diet plays a role. Sugar feeds bacteria which damage enamel. Smoking and health conditions increase risk.
Some people experience higher decay risk despite strong routines. Regular examinations help detect early changes before cavities form.
Whether you need a filling or a routine check up, the team at Fanelli Dental provides clear advice and steady care to protect your smile.
Frequently asked questions
A tooth filling will vary in cost depending on a number of factors, including the placement of the tooth, which filling material you use, and how many fillings you get at once.
Dental fillings typically last 10-15 years if looked after correctly, but filling materials such as gold can last even longer.
Good dental care such as a healthy diet, regular flossing and brushing, and regular dentist check-ups will help to ensure the longevity of your filling.
No, tooth fillings don’t hurt because the area will be numbed with a local anaesthesia before the treatment even begins. The site may be a little tender for the following day after the procedure, but you can either take over-the-counter pain medication or avoid chewing using that tooth during this time.
The most painful part of a tooth filling is usually before you get it - the cavity itself can cause pain and discomfort, but the filling will treat the cause to avoid further pain.
No, a tooth filling is incredibly common, and most Australians will need at least one during their lifetime. You can get a tooth filling completed in less than an hour and not think about it again for many years to come.
The most common side effect of dental fillings are tenderness around the area following the treatment, which can be managed by over-the-counter pain medication. Other less common, side effects include:
- Infection that would need to be treated with antibiotics
- Dental fillings chipping or cracking over time
- Dental fillings falling out over time
Your dentist will watch for signs of damage to your filling over time, so regular check-ups will usually catch these problems before they occur.
Our experienced dentists welcome you
There is no need to feel guilty or judged about your current oral health and smile. Our compassionate team is solution-oriented and passionate about helping patients recover their health and their smiles with high-quality dentistry and personalised care.
Contact our Gladstone dental clinic, and we will arrange a time for you to come in and talk with one of our dentists. Your call could be the first step to having a confident, radiant smile again.