Dental fillings, otherwise referred to as white fillings or composite fillings are one of the most common dental procedures used to treat cavities or cracks in teeth. Our professional team of dentists located in Sydney; Barangaroo, Martin Place and Pyrmont, will help you decide which type of tooth filling material is right for you.

Cracks or cavities in your teeth? You may need to consider dental fillings.

Do you experience pain or sensitivity when brushing certain teeth? Does your tooth hurt when consuming hot or cold liquids? If you answered Yes! to one of the previous questions then it may be a sign that you require a tooth filling. As a tooth decays, holes or cavities can result, which often causes pain and sensitivity. Fillings can restore teeth by filling the holes or cavities, as well as relieving associated pain. Dental fillings are also a preventative measure, used to stop decay from causing any further damage.

When decay or damage is too significant, a root canal therapy and/or a crown may be required, if the damage has reached the nerve. When damage isn’t that severe, a dental filling should be suitable to restore teeth to their healthy, natural function.

Dental filling procedure

Dental fillings restore teeth with cavities or damage by literally filling in the holes or cracks. The decay is removed, the tooth is cleaned and then it’s filled in with a filling material. This stops the tooth from decaying further and makes it fully functional again.

There are a variety of materials used for fillings. White composite fillings are a mixture of plastic and glass tooth colour materials and were first introduced in the 1960’s. They have become one of the most popular options for fillings due to their aesthetics and the ability to blend, to closely match your natural tooth.

Why you should consider white fillings:

• These type of fillings resemble your natural tooth colour
• They are 100% metal free compared to traditional ‘amalgam’ fillings (black/silver fillings)
• Composite fillings bond to the tooth, offering support to the rest of the tooth structure. This helps to prevent breakage, as well as insulation from extreme temperatures

How long should your tooth filling last?

Tooth fillings should last from 3 - 10 years. If the cavity is extremely large, the composite filling may not last this long. Your dentist will discuss the best option for you and the tooth in question at your dental appointment.

Are you experiencing pain in one or more of your teeth? Contact us today, so that we can schedule the first available appointment with one of our professional dentists.

Cost of dental fillings

White composite dental fillings cost about 1.5 - 2 times as much as amalgam fillings. However, the benefits usually outweigh the costs. This is especially important if the filling is required on a tooth that is easily visible when talking or smiling.

If you can see, feel or suspect you have a cavity in your tooth that may require a dental filling, contact us to see if dental fillings are a suitable option for you.