Tooth Filling Treatments for Tooth Decay

Maintain Healthy & Beautiful Teeth with Composite Fillings

Have you noticed decay affecting one or more of your teeth? Tooth decay is a common dental problem that can be easily addressed with dental fillings. At East Bentleigh Dental Group, our dentists are experienced in general dentistry and can make even the most nervous patient feel comfortable when getting a tooth filling in Melbourne. For more involved procedures, we also offer sleep dentistry to ensure patients experience the least amount of discomfort possible. Read on to find out more about tooth decay, or contact us to make an appointment for a dental filling at our clinic.

Why It’s Important to Treat Decay Fast

Both children and adults can experience tooth decay, which occurs when decay-causing bacteria attack the surface of the teeth. Decay can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, a toothache that’s either sharp or throbbing, pain when biting down, and holes or dark spots on the teeth. Severe decay can also lead to infection, gum disease and tooth loss, making it important to get decay treated as early as possible to prevent complications.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is a process that starts with the formation of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can solidify into calculus if not properly cleaned off the teeth. Over time, the acids in calculus begin to leach minerals from the teeth, weakening their structure and leading to cavities. Factors that can contribute to tooth decay include poor oral hygiene and excess consumption of sugary foods and drinks.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can be prevented with healthy habits and a good oral health routine. Avoiding excess consumption of sugary foods and drinks can help prevent plaque from developing, while brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day will remove any plaque that does form. Visiting your dentist every 6 months for a professional check-up and clean is also recommended to remove calculus and monitor for any signs of decay.

The Treatment – Composite Dental Fillings

Thanks to advancements in cosmetic dentistry, patients no longer have to face the idea of unsightly silver amalgam fillings to treat dental decay. Decaying teeth can now be repaired using a white composite dental filling material that matches the natural colour of the teeth for a beautiful and strong alternative to silver amalgam fillings.

Composite fillings are a mix of resins and plastic materials that are suitable for both the front and back teeth. The tooth is prepared and layers of the composite are set with a special light. The tooth filling material is then shaped and polished to match your natural tooth colour.

The dentists at East Bentleigh Dental Group have been offering all white composite fillings for years. Patients love the cosmetic benefits and can also trust in the strength and permanency of composite fillings. They are a safe alternative to amalgam fillings, and best of all, no one will be able to see that you’ve had your tooth filled.

Home Remedies for Tooth Decay

Once tooth decay has caused a cavity in a tooth, the only way to stop its progress is with a filling from a dentist. However, there are fluoride treatments and other products that can be used at home to slow down or reverse the early signs of tooth decay. Our dentist may recommend one or more of these products for teeth that are showing early signs of decay.

FAQs

Does a dentist filling hurt?

No, the filling procedure is not painful. Anaesthetic is used by the dentist prior to the dental tooth filling being performed, ensuring no pain is felt. While sensations of pressure may be experienced during the procedure, this should not be painful. After getting a dental filling, you may find that your tooth feels sensitive for a week or two. This sensitivity is completely normal and is due to the tooth adjusting to the new filling.

How long does a dental filling last?

This can depend on a range of factors, such as the type of filling material used, the size of the filling and how well you look after your teeth. Typically, a white composite filling will last between 7 to 10 years before it needs replacing.

Can you eat after a filling?

While it is possible to eat straight after getting a white composite filling, it’s recommended that you wait for the local anaesthetic to wear off first to prevent accidental biting of your cheek and lip.

Can a dentist fill a cracked tooth?

This depends on the extent of the damage and whether the integrity of the tooth has been compromised. In some cases, a dental filling might be enough to repair a cracked tooth, while other cases might necessitate a crown to strengthen the tooth.

Why Are Composite Fillings Favoured Over Amalgam Fillings?

Composite resin fillings are a preferred choice over older amalgam fillings for a number of reasons. These reasons include:

• Aesthetics – A composite dental tooth filling matches the appearance of natural teeth, while amalgam fillings are dark silver in appearance and noticeable to other people.
• Health – Amalgam fillings can contain a number of metals, including mercury, copper, silver and tin. Mercury in particular can be released into the mouth over time with amalgam fillings, making a composite dental filling a healthier choice.

Make an Appointment Today

If you would like more information on getting an all white tooth filling in Melbourne, get in touch with our dentist in East Bentleigh today. We can also advise you on children’s dentist visits, as well as the option of sleep dentistry and sedation dentistry for more complex treatments.