Dental Fillings Adelaide

What You Need To Know

Damaged or decaying teeth can be restored to their usual function, appearance and feel through the use of dental fillings.

A filling is commonly used as a treatment for general cavities caused by a decaying tooth. This procedure is usually non- invasive and, in most cases, is completed in just one trip to the dentist.

Before your filling is fitted, a dental professional will clean and treat your decaying tooth or affected area. Following this, a composite filling material is placed into the tooth to restore your smile!

In day to day cases, this treatment is undergone using a local anaesthetic to numb the surrounding area of your mouth, however, it is not always necessary.

How do I know if I need a filling?

Decay can be tricky, sometimes it causes immense pain or sensitivity, and at other times you won’t feel anything at all. If decay is severe, you might even be able to spot a hole in the outer layer of your tooth’s enamel. Although, in most cases, you will only uncover decay through dental X-rays or check-ups. Regular trips to the dentist are the best way to say on top of your dental health and catch signs of decay early on. Early identification of decay means that effects can be treated without the need for dental fillings, so frequent attention is worthwhile. A decay that is left for too long can cause long term damage to the tooth and eventually travel to your nerve, meaning you could be at risk of needing root canal treatment.

Which type of filling is best?

Not all tooth fillings are made the same, but your dentist will help you to determine which type of filling is going to be right for you and your smile. This will be based on how severe your dental damage is, where you need the filling and if you have any allergies. The most common dental filling materials include:

Composite resins.

Composite resins are fantastic because they can be matched to the colour of your teeth. This material is known as ‘white fillings’ and it’s popular due to its constant refinement and evolution. It’s strong, durable and can be expected to withstand 5-7 years of use, but this does vary from person to person.

Silver Amalgam

Amalgam use in dental fillings has undergone a steady decline over recent years, regardless of its resistance, strength and longevity. The growing use of resins has overtaken its general popularity. Silver Amalgam is a metal, which means it can expand and crack, resulting in splits, fractures or cracks in your neighbouring natural teeth.

Porcelain and Ceramic

These two are the strongest dental fillings available, they are also very long-lasting and stain-resistant. Impressions will be taken of your tooth, and then sent to a lab so that the filling can be milled into the correct shape. The filling is then bonded to your tooth to repair the structure.

Gold

Gold is not used very often in contemporary dentistry. This is because it has a noticeable appearance and is only really suitable for back teeth. Although it is very strong and durable, it’s not so popular these days.

What Next?

If you spot or feel any symptoms of decay you need to act quickly, be sure to book a check-up today.

Hard to find time for an appointment to suit your working hours?

We offer appointments outside general business hours and on weekends.

Premium Dental Fillings in Adelaide

For over ten years, Kent Town Dental has been providing services for dental fillings in Adelaide. This treatment involves the restoring of damaged or decaying teeth and repairing cracked or broken teeth. In most cases, it is non-invasive and can usually be completed in just one trip to the dentist. Needless to say, dental filling procedures can be prevented if patients practice proper oral hygiene and frequently visit a dentist for more extensive cleaning and maintenance.

Aside from dental fillings, you can also opt for other repairs and restoration for your damaged teeth. This includes dental crowns and bridges, veneers, dental implants and dentures. We also offer routine treatments for teeth enhancement such as teeth whitening, teeth cleaning and gum disease treatment to ensure your teeth are healthy. By offering these premium services at an affordable price, we remain the preferred dentist in Adelaide.

Types Of Dental Fillings in Adelaide

Here are the several options for your dental fillings in Adelaide:

Composite Resins
This type of filling is the most popular since it can replicate the natural colour of your teeth. Since it’s durable, it is expected to last between five to seven years. This varies from person to person.

Porcelain and Ceramic
Also called inlays, these types of dental filling are made to order in a lab. They can be bonded to a tooth and match its natural colour and are known for their longevity and stain resistance.

Silver Amalgam
Amalgam material is wear and tear-resistant but is quite obvious due to its dark appearance.

Gold
Although this option is well-tolerated by gum tissues and may last up to 20 years, the material is the least used among all types of dental fillings. This type of filling is quite noticeable and a more expensive option.

Which Dental Filling is Ideal For Me

Dental fillings in Adelaide don’t work the same for everyone. For this reason, an assessment is required to determine what type of filling should be used for your teeth. The extent of repair needed is highly considered. In addition to that, whether or not you have allergies to the material should be determined as well. Not to mention, the amount of cost for the dental filling you choose to be ideal for you.

Aside from that, you should also consider the amount of time the filler will last. However, it will also depend on the severity of your decay or tooth damage. Most of the time, your dentist will examine your tooth’s surface using a mirror. Dentists may require an X-ray as well so they can have a complete view of your teeth. This way, they can assess if dental fillings are still viable or if other options should be considered.