emergency dental Perth - My Emergency Dentist
(08) 9020 7222
(08) 9020 7222

Fillings

Read more

Fillings At My Emergency Dentist Perth Dental

Dental fillings are the most effective way to manage your general dental health and prevent further issues with your teeth as you grow older. Cavities are a common problem for most people, and are usually caused by sugary foods and beverages that eventually weaken tooth enamel causing decay. Prevention is the is the best remedy for healthy teeth, remember to consistently floss and brush your teeth to keep them in good condition. Book regular check-ups with your dentist to find and treat problems early, and get the necessary fillings if needed. In the long run, this is the best care you can take for your teeth!

Dental Fillings Cost

Depending on a number of factors, prices will vary. These are,
  • the extent of the repair,
  • where the tooth is located,
  • material used,
  • the dental clinic and dentist.

Dental Fillings To Suit

Luckily all patients are eligible for dental fillings if needed, and amalgam and composite are the most used material. Amalgam fillings are traditional fillings made with elemental mercury and a mixture of other metals, they are strong, durable and can last around 10-15 years. Elemental mercury contained in the filling is perfectly safe, proven to have no negative effects on the body. Composite fillings give the tooth an aesthetically pleasing, natural look compared to amalgam fillings, although somewhat less durable and can last up to five years. At times they require more maintenance often but acrylic resin that can be matched to the colour of the tooth, creating a great look.

Consultation

It’s always useful to know what to expect before a filling and our dentist will give you a consultation to explain the process. This will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions about the procedure to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed.

Exam

Firstly, the dentist will check your teeth with a dental probe to and occasionally take an x-ray. This will let him know about the state of the tooth decay and what procedure to advise.

Numbing

As we want our patients to have a pain-free and comfortable experience, our clinic will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the surroundings of the tooth. Depending on the size of the filling or personal preference you may not need one at all.

Decay Removal

A high-speed metal drill will be used to remove the tooth decay then a slower drill for the second layer of the tooth; lasers are also used to remove decay. The area is then sterilised and prepared for filling.

Filling Using Composite

The area is suctioned dry, and an acid gel applied to etch the tooth and prepare for the bonding material to hold. The bonding material creates another layer under the filling and the composite resin is onto the tooth used to cured with a blue light.

Amalgam Filling

Firstly, the dentist will shape a hole that fits the filling. If the cavity is extremely large or deep, the tooth may be lined to prevent sensitivity and leakage. The hole will be filled with amalgam and the dentist will shape the amalgam to fit the tooth before it hardens.

Dental Filling

Toots Decay

Decay Removed

Silver Filling

Toots Decay

Decay Removed

Filling White

Afterwards

The dentist will polish the filling to smooth the edges and check the bite, and adjust as necessary. The local anaesthetic will cause feelings of numbness for a few hours afterwards.

Tooth Damage

If your tooth is cracked, fractured or chipped, you may need a filling to restore the functionality and appearance. Tooth damage can happen during physical exercise, so always wear a mouthguard when playing extreme sports. Habits such as grinding or clenching your teeth can also weaken and damage the enamel over time.

Replacements

Regular dental check-ups locate existing problems and are excellent for preventative care. As soon as you notice a cavity beginning to form, see your dentist to resolve the problem – fillings are not permanent and it’s important to have them checked.

Adverse Effects

Both composite and amalgam fillings can affect you in the following ways.

Pain

If there is a deeper ‘toothache’ type of pain after a local anaesthetic wears off, this should resolve in a few days. If the filling is making your bite uncomfortable make another appointment further treatment may be needed.

Sensitivity

Some patients experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods, drinks, air temperature and bite pressure. If this continues contact your dentist.

Infection

Infections after a filling are rare. If there is swelling, pus or a severe toothache, visit the dentist immediately.

Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions to silver amalgam are rare. Symptoms of an amalgam allergy are similar to skin allergy symptoms which include itchiness and skin rashes. If you experience these symptoms, you may need to take an allergy test and have the filling material changed.

Aftercare

The local anaesthetic may cause a lingering numbness or a pins and needle sensation, it’s safe to take paracetamol for discomfort or pain.
Composite fillings set immediately so it’s fine to bite or eat food on the filling side. Amalgam fillings take longer to set, so refrain from biting or eating food for at least 24 hours on the site. Remember to be gentle with your filling, and avoid especially hard, sticky or chewy foods. If you notice any of the above risks and complications are persisting, and continue to feel any discomfort after a few days, contact your dentist immediately for a check-up.

Gold Cast

Gold cast fillings are similar to silver amalgam but made with gold material, these are more expensive, but they are extremely durable and can last up to 10-15 years.

Ceramics

Ceramic fillings are made of a porcelain material and are more resistant to staining and cracks. These fillings can last up to 15 year and have a higher cost – similar to a gold cast filling.

Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer is used for temporary filling material and most suitable for young children. The material also releases fluoride preventing further tooth decay. These fillings are made from acrylic and glass material, which form a chemical link with the tooth and lasts up to 5 years.

FAQs for Tooth Removal Procedures

A dental filling is a short procedure that is performed in one sitting. The entire process including the preparation will usually take around 20 minutes to an hour to complete.
A local anaesthetic feels like a scratch, and is used to numb the areas around the tooth to prevent any pain during the process. Sometimes, dentists may apply a topical anaesthetic directly on the gum to numb the area before a local injection. If you decide to not use any anaesthetic the pain will depend on the sensitivity of your teeth, and how deep the tooth decay is.
It is recommended that you visit your dentist regularly to check your fillings for preventative care, as they are not permanent and will wear out with time. Composite fillings last up to five years and amalgam fillings between 10-15 years depending on the amount of care taken. Occasionally, fillings can fall out or break due to a physical accident or damaged by biting hard food. If this happens, call your dentist immediately for a repair.
Yes, children of all ages can get fillings. Glass ionomer fillings are commonly used on baby teeth, as they are temporary. However, if the baby tooth is likely to fall out within a few months, the dentist may decide that a filling is not needed.
If you notice that your fillings are wearing out and it has been around five years for your composite filling or 10-15 years for your amalgam fillings, make an appointment with your dentist for a check-up and possible replacement.
Research shows that there are no risks to silver amalgam fillings and the small amount of mercury contained in a filling is not dangerous. When the mercury is mixed with other metals to form the silver amalgam material it becomes non-toxic. If you do have a mercury allergy or have a family history of metal allergies, let the dentist know and an alternative filling material will be used.

This depends on your insurance coverage – Medicare does not cover dental services.

We are an experienced group of dentists located in the heart of Perth, we care about our patients and are committed to preventative care. Call us today to make an appointment for a check-up! Feel free to contact us and we will be happy to assist, we look forward to seeing you!

emergency dental Perth - My Emergency Dentist
(08) 9020 7222
(08) 9020 7222
emergency dental Perth - My Emergency Dentist
(08)94686060
Instagram Facebook Twitter Youtube

Book an appointment

[wd_asp id=1]