Dental Fillings in Sandgate
Dental fillings are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay, fractures, wear or failing restorations.
At Dental Seasons, we commonly use tooth-coloured restorative materials that can be matched to the surrounding tooth.
Before placing a filling, we first assess how much of the tooth is affected and whether a direct filling is the most appropriate way to restore it.
Smaller areas may be suitable for a filling, while more heavily damaged teeth may require a different restorative approach.
New patients welcome.
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling replaces part of a natural tooth that has been damaged or lost.
One of the most common reasons for a filling is tooth decay.
Decay can weaken and break down tooth structure. Once the damaged area has progressed to the point where it cannot reasonably be managed without restoration, the affected tooth structure is removed and a filling material is placed into the area.
Fillings may also be used to repair selected chipped, fractured or worn teeth or to replace an older restoration that has failed.
The appropriate material and technique depend on the tooth, the size and location of the damage and the forces placed on the restoration.
Why might a tooth need a filling?
Tooth decay
Tooth decay occurs when repeated acid attacks cause minerals to be lost from the tooth.
Very early decay can sometimes be managed without drilling and filling.
Once a cavity has developed or significant tooth structure has been damaged, a filling may be required.
A broken or chipped tooth
Small fractures and chips can sometimes be repaired using a tooth-coloured restorative material.
Larger fractures may require a stronger or more extensive restoration.
An old filling has failed
Fillings do not last forever.
An older restoration may become worn, chipped, fractured or develop a gap or decay around its edge.
Assessment helps determine whether it can be monitored, repaired or needs replacement.
Tooth wear
Selected areas of tooth wear may sometimes be restored with filling material.
Before repairing the tooth, we consider why the wear has occurred so the underlying cause is not overlooked.
Does every area of tooth decay need a filling?
No. Tooth decay develops over time.
When decay is detected very early and the surface of the tooth has not broken down into a cavity, it may sometimes be possible to stop or slow the process without placing a filling.
Management may include improving plaque control, using fluoride, changing how frequently sugary foods and drinks are consumed and monitoring the area.
Once the tooth surface has broken down or there is damage that cannot reasonably repair itself, restorative treatment may become necessary.
The aim is to treat the disease and preserve healthy tooth structure rather than automatically drilling every early change.
Tooth-coloured composite fillings
Composite resin is a tooth-coloured restorative material commonly used for fillings in both front and back teeth.
The material is bonded to the tooth and hardened during the procedure.
Composite is available in different shades, allowing the restoration to be selected to blend with the surrounding tooth where appearance is important.
Because composite bonds to tooth structure, the preparation can often be designed around the damaged area rather than relying purely on the shape of the cavity to hold the filling in place.
Whether composite is suitable depends on factors including:
- The size of the restoration
- Where the tooth is located
- The forces placed on the tooth
- How well the treatment area can be kept dry
- The amount of healthy tooth structure remaining
Your dentist will select the restorative approach according to the individual tooth rather than assuming one material is right for every situation.
Are all dental fillings made from composite?
No.
Dentists have several restorative materials available.
These can include composite resin, glass ionomer materials, dental amalgam and indirect laboratory-made restorations.
Each material has different properties.
Glass ionomer materials may be useful in selected situations and contain fluoride.
Amalgam is a silver-coloured restorative material that has been used in dentistry for many years, although it is much less commonly used today.
Indirect ceramic or other restorations may be considered when a larger area of tooth structure needs to be replaced.
The most appropriate material depends on the individual tooth and treatment requirements.
What happens when you have a dental filling?
Examine the tooth
Your dentist assesses the tooth and determines the extent and cause of the damage.
Dental X-rays may be recommended where they provide useful information that cannot be seen during the clinical examination.
Anaesthetise the area when required
Local anaesthetic may be used to keep the tooth comfortable during treatment.
Whether it is required depends on the procedure and individual circumstances.
Remove damaged tooth structure
Decay or unsupported damaged tooth structure is carefully removed while preserving healthy tooth where possible.
Prepare and place the filling
The tooth is prepared for the chosen restorative material.
For a composite filling, the tooth surface is conditioned and bonded before the tooth-coloured material is placed and hardened.
Shape and check the bite
The restoration is shaped and polished.
Your dentist also checks how your teeth come together so the filling does not feel unnecessarily high when you bite.
What if the filling would be very large?
A direct filling is not always the most appropriate restoration for a heavily damaged tooth.
As more natural tooth structure is lost, the remaining tooth may need greater protection or a restoration designed outside the mouth.
Depending on the situation, alternatives may include an inlay, onlay or dental crown.
The recommendation depends on:
- How much healthy tooth remains
- Whether the tooth is cracked
- The size and location of the damaged area
- Previous restorations
- The bite and forces placed on the tooth
- Whether root canal treatment has been performed
We aim to preserve healthy tooth structure wherever reasonably possible while selecting a restoration appropriate for the amount of damage.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are restorations made outside the mouth and bonded to the tooth.
They may be considered when the damaged area is too extensive for a straightforward direct filling but a full crown is not considered necessary.
An inlay generally restores an area within the biting surface of the tooth.
An onlay extends over one or more of the raised parts of the tooth and can provide additional coverage where required.
They can be made from materials such as ceramic or other suitable restorative materials.
Whether an indirect restoration offers an advantage over a direct filling depends on the individual tooth.
Is sensitivity normal after a filling?
Some teeth can feel temporarily sensitive after a filling.
You may notice sensitivity to cold, hot temperatures or biting.
This often settles as the tooth adjusts following treatment.
However, contact us if:
- Sensitivity is becoming worse rather than improving
- The tooth is persistently painful
- The filling feels high when you bite
- You develop spontaneous or severe pain
- The tooth feels different in a way that concerns you
Occasionally symptoms indicate that the bite needs adjusting or that the tooth has a deeper problem requiring further assessment.
When does an old filling need replacing?
The age or colour of a filling alone does not necessarily mean it should be replaced.
We assess older restorations for signs such as:
- Fracture or chipping
- Loss of part of the filling
- Decay around the restoration
- A significant gap or defect
- Damage to the surrounding tooth
- Symptoms that may relate to the tooth or restoration
Sometimes an old filling can remain in place and simply be monitored.
In other situations, part of the restoration may be repairable.
Complete replacement is recommended when the clinical findings justify it.
Removing a filling unnecessarily also removes additional tooth structure, so there should be a reason for treatment rather than replacing restorations simply because they are old.
What about old silver amalgam fillings?
Dental amalgam is a silver-coloured restorative material containing a combination of metals including mercury.
It has been used in dentistry for many years but is much less commonly used today.
An existing amalgam filling does not automatically need to be removed simply because it contains mercury.
We assess older amalgam restorations in the same way as other fillings, looking at the condition of the restoration and the tooth around it.
If an amalgam filling is cracked, failing, associated with decay or requires replacement for another clinical reason, we can discuss the appropriate restorative options.
If it remains clinically satisfactory, monitoring may be appropriate.
Preventing decay around fillings
A tooth with a filling can develop new decay.
Decay commonly occurs around the edge of a restoration when conditions allow plaque and acids to repeatedly affect the natural tooth.
Reducing future decay risk involves caring for the whole mouth rather than the filling alone.
Important measures include:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Cleaning between the teeth each day
- Limiting how often teeth are exposed to sugary foods and drinks
- Drinking fluoridated tap water where available
- Regular dental reviews based on your individual risk
- Managing dry mouth where relevant
Existing restorations are also checked during dental examinations so changes can be identified and monitored.
Dental fillings in Sandgate
Dental Seasons is located at 119A Brighton Road, Sandgate QLD 4017.
We provide dental fillings and other general and restorative dental care for children, adults and families from Sandgate and surrounding North Brisbane and bayside communities.
If you have a toothache, broken filling or another urgent concern, call our team so we can help determine the most appropriate appointment.
Dental filling questions
What is a dental filling used for?
A filling replaces tooth structure that has been damaged by tooth decay, fracture, wear or another problem. The appropriate restorative material depends on the individual tooth.
Do you provide white fillings?
Yes. Composite resin is a tooth-coloured filling material commonly used for suitable front and back teeth.
Can early tooth decay heal without a filling?
Very early decay may sometimes be stopped or managed without a filling if the tooth surface has not broken down. Once a cavity has formed or significant tooth structure is lost, restorative treatment may be required.
Does getting a filling hurt?
Local anaesthetic can be used to keep the area comfortable while a filling is being placed. Some temporary sensitivity can occur afterward.
How long does a filling last?
There is no guaranteed lifespan. How long a filling lasts depends on the material, size and location of the restoration, oral hygiene, decay risk, biting forces and other individual factors.
Why is my tooth sensitive after a filling?
Temporary sensitivity to temperature or biting can occur after a filling. It commonly settles, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be reviewed.
Can decay develop underneath a filling?
Decay can develop around the edges of an existing restoration and affect the natural tooth. Regular dental examinations help monitor fillings and the surrounding tooth structure.
Does a discoloured white filling need replacing?
Not necessarily. Composite restorations can change colour over time. Colour change alone does not automatically mean the restoration has failed or developed decay.
Should old amalgam fillings be removed?
Not simply because they are old or contain amalgam. We assess whether the filling or surrounding tooth shows a clinical reason for repair or replacement.
When is a crown better than a filling?
A crown may be considered when a tooth has lost substantial structure, is significantly weakened or requires more protection than a direct filling is expected to provide. The recommendation depends on the individual tooth.
Think you may need a filling?
If you have tooth sensitivity, a broken filling, visible damage or have been told that you have tooth decay, we can assess the tooth and explain the appropriate options. Book an appointment with our Sandgate team and we can determine whether the area needs a filling, monitoring or another form of restorative treatment.
Conservative restorative care where appropriate
The best restoration is not automatically the largest one.
Our dentists consider how much healthy natural tooth remains, the cause of the damage and the forces placed on the tooth before recommending treatment.
Where a smaller, more conservative restoration is suitable, preserving healthy tooth structure remains an important part of treatment planning.
