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Dental Fillings Port Melbourne | Bay Street Dental Group

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filling-dentistry

Transform Your Smile With Composite
Dental Fillings

Filling Dentistry

Dental fillings are a common option for patients struggling with tooth decay or cracked or chipped teeth. With many different dental fillings available, your dentist can recommend the most suitable option based on your specific needs and preferences.

Bay Street Dental Group offers advanced dental filling services by understanding patients’ priorities. At our clinics, we work to transform your smile through our smart solutions.

We offer white composite dental fillings at our dental clinic in Port Melbourne. This modern and aesthetically pleasing option is one of the most sought-after choices for dental restorations. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, white composite fillings blend seamlessly with your natural tooth colour, making them virtually indistinguishable.

Call Us Today For A Dental Filling

Call us today on (03) 9646 2577 to get naturally-looking composite dental fillings for your damaged, cracked, or chipped tooth. You can also contact us online and let us know your questions on the dental filling.

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Common Causes of Cavities

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are a prevalent dental issue that can lead to dental problems if left untreated. They occur for several reasons, and understanding these common causes is essential for maintaining good oral health:

  • Bacterial Invasion: The primary cause of cavities is the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth. When these bacteria gain access to the tooth’s surface, they produce acids that gradually erode the protective enamel, forming cavities. 
  • Enamel Loss: Wear and abrasion over time can cause enamel loss, making the teeth more susceptible to cavities. Enamel is the tooth’s protective outer layer, and its erosion can result from factors such as acidic foods, aggressive brushing, or improper dental care. 
  • Trauma or Injury: Physical trauma or blows to the mouth can result in fractures in the teeth, creating openings for bacteria to enter and cause cavities. These fractures can vary in severity, from minor chips to more significant damage.
  • Crack Lines: Excessive force from heavy biting or teeth grinding (bruxism) can lead to crack lines in the teeth. These cracks may not always be visible to the naked eye but can provide an entry point for bacteria and contribute to cavity formation.
  • Broken or Lost Fillings: Dental fillings play a crucial role in sealing and protecting teeth after they have been treated for cavities or damage. If a filling becomes damaged, dislodged, or falls out, the tooth is vulnerable to bacterial invasion and cavity formation in the affected area.

Symptoms You Need a Filling

Recognising the symptoms indicating you may need a dental filling is crucial for maintaining oral health. Here are some common signs that suggest you may need a filling:

  • Toothache or Sensitivity: Persistent toothache or sensitivity, especially when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages, can be a sign of tooth decay. 
  • Visible Holes or Pits: If you notice visible holes, pits, or dark spots on the surface of your teeth, it’s a strong indicator of tooth decay. These cavities can vary in size and may be visible when you look in a mirror or feel with your tongue.
  • Pain When Chewing: Discomfort or pain when you bite down or chew on specific teeth can indicate cavities. The pressure placed on the tooth during eating can exacerbate the pain.
  • Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, even after brushing and flossing, can be associated with dental cavities and the accumulation of bacteria.

These are a few symptoms that indicate a cavity. To know whether you need a filling, it is best to get your mouth examined by our dental experts.

What Makes Composite Tooth Filling Popular?

While traditional dentistry uses silver and other amalgam materials, composite fillings are an option to get natural-looking teeth fillings. Silver and different amalgam fillings look odd, unattractive, and visible to others when people smile, talk, or chew.

The white, naturally-looking composite is prepared from cosmetic resin. It is a strong, mouldable, and plastic material that can be easily applied and difficult to detect due to its natural colour. The white material is long-lasting and can fill almost all cavities.

Over the last few years, composite tooth filling has emerged as a significant service in cosmetic dentistry. At our clinic, we provide composite fillings for new cavities and offer the option to replace existing metal fillings with composite alternatives. This service goes beyond functionality; it helps people achieve a more natural and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Advantages Of Composite Fillings

Compared to traditional fillings, our composite filling services give you several benefits.

  • These fillings strengthen the tooth, whereas metal fillings weaken the tooth.
  • They are natural, white, and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Composite fillings need less drilling than other fillings and can better protect the tooth’s structure.
  • Compared to other metal fillings that take a few days, composite fillings usually harden in a few seconds.
  • These fillings last about eight years and can easily be repaired if damaged. 

 

Are Fillings Expensive?

Fillings are not expensive when you consider the long-term benefits they offer. When left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease, which can be both painful and costly to address. 

Fillings play a crucial role in preventing further damage to your teeth. They help maintain the structural integrity of your teeth, avoiding the need for more extensive and expensive dental procedures down the road.

It’s worth noting that fillings have become more affordable thanks to advances in dental technology and techniques. This means that maintaining your oral health through fillings is a wise investment in your overall well-being and a cost-effective one.

What Affects the Price of Fillings?

The price of dental fillings can vary based on several factors:

  • Type of Filling Material Used: The choice of filling material significantly affects the cost. Different materials, such as amalgam (metal), composite (tooth-coloured), ceramic, or gold, have varying price points.
  • Size of the Cavity: The extent of the dental decay or the size of the cavity plays a role in determining the cost. Larger holes generally require more material and time to fill, potentially increasing the price.
  • Location of the Cavity: The location of the cavity within your mouth can influence the cost. Cavities in areas that are harder to access or require more intricate work, such as those between teeth or near the gum line, may be more expensive to treat.
  • Dental Insurance Coverage: Dental insurance can help offset the fillings cost. The extent of coverage and the type of plan you have will impact your out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Dentist’s Experience and Training: The level of experience and training of your dentist can affect the price. Dentists with more expertise may charge higher fees for their services.

There are several types of tooth fillings, including:

  • Composite Resin Fillings:These are commonly used for their natural appearance and ability to blend with the tooth’s colour. They are suitable for front and back teeth.
  • CEREC Porcelain Fillings:This technology allows for creating and placing porcelain fillings in a single visit. They offer durability and aesthetics.
  • Gold Fillings:These wear similarly to enamel because they are strong and durable. They are custom-made in a laboratory, require two appointments, and are more expensive.
  • Amalgam Fillings:These were once common but are now less favoured due to their appearance and concerns about mercury content. Amalgam fillings are strong but can cause tooth flexion, leading to cracks.

The process for placing a filling involves:

  • Numbing:The dentist uses local anaesthesia to numb the area.
  • Decay Removal:Decayed and unsound portions are removed, including existing fillings.
  • Filling Application:The chosen material is applied, shaped, and set to rebuild the tooth.
  • Duration: Typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per filling.
  • Post-Procedure:Anaesthesia wears off in hours; avoid hot foods/drinks to prevent scalding. Be cautious while eating. Transient sensitivity may occur but usually resolves. Contact your dentist if discomfort persists.

To care for your fillings and maximise their lifespan:

  • Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing once daily.
  • Attend regular dental appointments for check-ups and cleanings.
  • Be mindful of staining substances like tea, coffee, and nicotine, as they can stain fillings, especially composite ones.

If your dentist recommends treatment for grinding or clenching, such as a night guard or splint, follow their instructions to prevent premature cracking or fracture of your fillings.

The lifespan of fillings varies depending on the material used and the quality of placement:

Material

  • Porcelain or gold fillings can last at least ten years or more.
  • Composite fillings, while more affordable, typically need replacement every three to five years on average.
  • Larger composite fillings may develop leakage and decay around the margins over time, and they can lose colour and lustre.

Placement

  • The way porcelain and composite fillings are placed can affect their longevity.
  • Proper bonding between the tooth and the filling material is crucial for durability.
  • Using moisture barriers like a rubber dam during placement ensures optimal conditions and increases the filling’s lifespan.
  • AHM
  • NIB
  • HBA
  • GMHBA
  • HBF
  • Frank
  • Medibank
  • Peoplecare
  • TUH

Emergency Care

Get in touch with us today call (03) 9646 2577

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