General Dentistry

Fillings

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Healthy teeth are covered with a tough outer layer of dental enamel, but if this enamel becomes chipped, damaged, or is eroded, cavity-causing bacteria can enter the softer dentine underneath. Dentine is much more easily damaged, and these bacteria will gradually destroy it, causing a hole or cavity.

Why Would I Need a Filling?

Healthy teeth are covered with a tough outer layer of dental enamel, but if this enamel becomes chipped, damaged, or is eroded, cavity-causing bacteria can enter the softer dentine underneath. Dentine is much more easily damaged, and these bacteria will gradually destroy it, causing a hole or cavity.

What are the Symptoms of Tooth Decay?

A cavity can be detected during your regular dental examination, hopefully before it causes unpleasant symptoms. Signs that you could have a cavity include increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold or sweet and sour foods. A deeper cavity can cause toothache or pain, and especially when the cavity reaches the tooth nerve right in the center. Older fillings will need eventually replacing as they can begin to leak or crumble, letting in harmful bacteria. Filling a tooth prevents bacteria from entering it, preserving and protecting the remaining structure.

Treating a Cavity

Initially, tooth enamel may only have a small lesion, and ideally, we can treat it at this stage, sometimes strengthening the enamel with topical fluoride applications. Otherwise, we can use advanced filling materials called composite resins to repair cavities. Our composite resins have reduced bisphenol A, Bis GMA, and BPAderivatives and they are tooth-colored, blending in with your natural teeth, so they are virtually invisible. We also provide glass ionomer fillings that are suitable for restoring decayed tooth root surfaces.

Materials that Mimic Nature

Our composite resins are biomimetic, meaning they mimic the natural tooth structure closely. They are designed to bond with your natural tooth, creating a tight seal that prevents harmful bacteria, saliva, or other substances from entering the tooth. At the same time, a composite resin filling restores strength and structure to the tooth, ensuring you can bite and chew food with complete comfort and confidence and without fear that your tooth will crack or crumble

What is the Procedure for a Filling?

If you need a filling, we numb the affected tooth to ensure you feel comfortable before removing the damaged portion of the tooth, leaving healthy tissues intact. The tooth is prepared for the filling material which is placed in increments. The composite resin and is hardened using a blue light. Once in place, it is shaped and polished to create a natural luster.

Composite resin is strong enough to repair small to medium-sized cavities in teeth, and the material should last for several years before it needs replacing. Larger cavities in molar or back teeth are restored with porcelain fillings, called inlays and Onlays. These filings are stronger and more durable and last longer although they cost a little more

City Dental practice is located at Level 17, 44 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000. Please contact us to learn more and schedule your appointment (02) 9299 6000.