Dental Fillings

A dental filling is one of the most common treatments in dentistry. It involves removing decayed or damaged tooth material, cleaning the affected area, and filling the space with a restorative material to return the tooth to its normal shape and function.

Fillings serve two important purposes: they restore the structure of a damaged tooth so you can chew comfortably again, and they seal the tooth to prevent bacteria from entering and causing further decay.

Our Pakenham dentist may recommend a filling when:

• You have a cavity - Tooth decay creates a hole in the tooth that needs to be cleaned out and filled to prevent it from getting larger
• An existing filling has worn down or failed - Old fillings can crack, leak, or fall out over time and may need to be replaced
• A tooth is chipped or cracked - Minor chips and cracks can often be repaired with composite resin, restoring the tooth's shape and protecting it from further damage
• A tooth is worn from grinding or erosion - Composite can rebuild lost tooth structure on teeth that have been worn down by clenching, grinding, or acid erosion
• You have sensitivity from an exposed root surface - When gums recede, the softer root surface can become exposed and sensitive. A composite filling can cover and protect the area

Not every situation calls for a filling, and not every filling is the right long-term answer. If the damage or decay is too extensive for a filling to provide a reliable, lasting restoration, we may recommend a dental crown instead, which covers and reinforces the entire tooth. We'll always explain our reasoning and discuss your options before proceeding.

Getting a composite filling Pakenham is a straightforward procedure that's typically completed in a single appointment.

Step 1 - Numbing
We apply local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth so you're comfortable throughout the procedure. For very small fillings, anaesthetic may not always be necessary - we'll discuss this with you beforehand.

Step 2 - Removing the Decay
Using a combination of dental instruments, we carefully remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth, leaving only healthy tooth structure behind. We take a conservative approach, removing only what's necessary.

Step 3 - Preparing and Bonding
The tooth is cleaned, dried, and treated with a bonding agent that helps the composite resin adhere firmly to the natural tooth surface. This bonding step is one of the key advantages of composite fillings - it creates a strong connection between the filling and the tooth.

Step 4 - Placing the Composite
The composite resin is applied in layers, with each layer shaped and hardened using a special curing light. Building the filling in layers allows us to recreate the natural contours of the tooth and achieve a strong, durable restoration.

Step 5 - Shaping and Polishing
Once the filling is built up to the correct shape and height, we check your bite carefully and make any adjustments needed so the tooth feels comfortable and natural when you close your mouth. The filling is then polished to a smooth finish that blends with the surrounding tooth.

The entire process usually takes 20-40 minutes per tooth, depending on the size and location of the filling.

The lifespan of a composite filling depends on several factors, including the size of the filling, its location in the mouth, your bite, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind or clench your teeth.

On average, composite fillings last between 5-10 years, though many last longer with good care. Smaller fillings in areas that don't bear heavy chewing forces tend to last longer than large fillings on back teeth.