Have a cracked or decayed tooth? At Springfield Dental, we provide fast and effective dental fillings to repair damage, protect your tooth, and keep your smile strong and healthy.
What Are Dental Fillings?
You may need a dental filling if a cavity (hole) forms in your tooth due to decay or trauma. The filling material is placed into the cleaned-out cavity to seal the tooth, prevent further decay, and restore its normal function and appearance. A dental filling will help your tooth look and work at its best.
At Springfield Dental, we use tooth-coloured fillings that blend naturally with your smile, so your restored tooth looks and feels just like the real thing. Fillings not only strengthen your tooth but also help maintain your overall oral health by stopping problems from progressing.
Why Patients Choose Springfield Dental for Fillings
- Tooth-coloured, natural-looking materials that blend seamlessly with your smile
- Gentle techniques with patient comfort in mind
- Same-day treatment in most cases
- Experienced dentists and modern equipment
- Convenient Springfield location with flexible appointment times
Types of Fillings
Each type of dental filling offers unique benefits and considerations, depending on your needs, preferences, and the location of the tooth being treated. Here are the most common options:
Composite (Tooth-Coloured) Fillings
Made of a resin material that matches the colour of your natural teeth. They’re a popular choice for front and back teeth because they look natural and provide strong support.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
A durable mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. They are very strong and long-lasting, making them suitable for back teeth where chewing pressure is greatest, though less commonly used today due to appearance.
Ceramic Fillings
Often made of porcelain, these fillings are tooth-coloured, highly stain-resistant, and provide a natural appearance. They’re strong but may cost more than other options.
Gold Fillings
Made from gold alloy, they are very durable and long-lasting (often decades). However, they are more noticeable and usually more expensive.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Made from a blend of acrylic and glass, these fillings release fluoride, which helps protect teeth from further decay. Glass ionomer fillings are commonly used for children’s teeth or areas that do not experience heavy chewing pressure.
White Dental Fillings in Brisbane
At Springfield Dental, we offer white fillings as a discreet, natural-looking option for restoring your teeth. These tooth-coloured materials are designed to blend seamlessly with your smile while offering strong, reliable protection.
If you’re dealing with tooth pain or sensitivity, it may be a sign that a filling is needed. Our caring team will carefully examine your teeth and recommend the most suitable treatment to relieve discomfort and protect your long-term oral health.
We Are Preferred Providers For:
The Dental Filling Procedure
Examination & Diagnosis
Your dentist will examine your tooth carefully and may take X-rays to determine the size and location of the decay. This step ensures the right treatment plan is chosen for your specific needs.
Numbing the Area
A local anaesthetic is applied to keep you comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. For patients who feel anxious, our team can discuss additional comfort options to make the visit as stress-free as possible.
Removing Decay
The dentist gently removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. This process prevents the decay from spreading and prepares the tooth for restoration.
Preparing the Tooth
The remaining tooth structure is shaped and cleaned to help the filling material bond securely. For composite (white) fillings, a special conditioning solution may be applied to enhance adhesion.
Placing the Filling
The chosen filling material is carefully applied to the tooth. For tooth-coloured fillings, it is added in layers and hardened using a special curing light. The dentist then shapes the filling to match your natural tooth contours.
Polishing & Bite Check
Finally, the filling is polished for a smooth finish. Your dentist will check your bite to ensure the filling feels comfortable and natural when you chew.
How to Care for Your
Dental Fillings
Proper care can help your fillings last for many years and keep your teeth healthy:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily to prevent decay around the filling.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Chewing ice, hard candy, or sticky treats can damage or dislodge fillings.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit your dentist every six months so they can monitor your fillings and overall oral health.
- Address Sensitivity Promptly: Some fillings may feel sensitive initially; if discomfort persists, contact your dentist.
- Protect Your Teeth: If you grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist about a mouthguard to prevent damage to your fillings.
What are the benefits of dental fillings?
Dental fillings treat existing tooth decay and reduce the risk of further damage. Depending on the type of filling, they can also,
- Strengthen weakened teeth.
- Preserve your natural tooth structure.
- Restore chewing function.
- Enhance the appearance of your teeth.
- Last for a long time (10 to 20 years).
Dental Fillings FAQ’s
Why are dental fillings necessary?
Dental fillings are essential for treating cavities and protecting your teeth from further damage. A cavity won’t heal on its own, without a filling, decay keeps eating through the tooth. At Springfield Dental, we remove the decay and seal the tooth to stop the cavity from getting bigger, prevent painful infections, and help you avoid more costly treatments like root canals or extractions later.
Are dental fillings painful?
Dental fillings are generally not painful. At Springfield Dental, we carefully numb the area before your filling, so you feel little to no discomfort. Most patients find the procedure straightforward and pain-free. If you’re feeling anxious or sensitive, our dentists can provide anaesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment.
How long do dental fillings last?
On average, dental fillings last between 7 and 15 years, depending on the material used and your oral hygiene habits. At Springfield Dental, we use high-quality materials to maximise the longevity of your fillings. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your fillings and ensure they remain strong, functional, and healthy for years to come.
Do white fillings cost more?
Yes, tooth-coloured (white) fillings cost a little more than traditional silver (amalgam) fillings. This is because they are made from high-quality composite materials that are designed to match your natural tooth colour and provide a more aesthetic, natural-looking result. At Springfield Dental, we use premium materials and advanced techniques to ensure your white fillings look great and last for years, giving you both function and a beautiful smile.
Can a dental filling fall out?
Yes, a dental filling can sometimes come loose or fall out. This may occur due to wear and tear, biting on hard foods, tooth decay around the filling, or trauma. If a filling falls out, it’s important to visit Springfield Dental as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection. Our team can quickly replace or repair the filling to restore your tooth’s strength, function, and comfort.
When should a filling be replaced?
A dental filling should be replaced if it shows signs of wear, cracking, chipping, or leakage, or if there is new decay around the filling. Regular dental check-ups at Springfield Dental help monitor your fillings so any issues can be addressed early. Replacing a filling immediately ensures your tooth stays strong, healthy, and free from further damage or infection.
Where to find us
Springfield Dental
Shop 6/6 Commercial Dr,
Springfield QLD 4300
Booking:
You can book an appointment with us online or call us at (07) 3818 9100. Please note your dental appointment is considered confirmed at the time of booking. We have reserved the time with our dentists, dental assistants, and hygienists, especially for you. We will contact you prior to your scheduled appointment with a courtesy reminder, but ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure that you arrive on time for your appointment. We know that life can get in the way, and if you need to reschedule, please give us at least one business day’s notice, and we will be happy to find a time that better suits you.
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