Tooth-Coloured Dental Fillings in Sandgate
At Sandgate Family Dental, we provide natural-looking, long-lasting dental fillings to restore decayed, chipped or damaged teeth. Our experienced dentists use high-quality composite materials that match your tooth shade, helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
Whether you’re visiting us from Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Deagon, Brighton, or any surrounding North Brisbane suburb, we offer gentle, precise care tailored to your unique dental needs.
Types of Dental Fillings
At Sandgate Family Dental, we provide several types of fillings to best suit your needs:
Composite Fillings: These tooth-coloured materials blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Ideal for front teeth and areas visible when you smile.
Ceramic Fillings: Made from porcelain, these fillings are stain-resistant and provide an excellent aesthetic match. They are durable and long-lasting.
Glass Ionomer Fillings: These fillings release fluoride, helping to protect the tooth from further decay. They are often used in children’s dentistry.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are used to restore teeth affected by cavities or minor fractures. If left untreated, tooth decay can worsen, leading to pain, infection, or the need for more complex procedures like root canal treatment.
Our composite (white) fillings are:
Strong and durable
Aesthetically matched to your natural tooth colour
Safe, effective, and mercury-free
Minimally invasive, preserving as much natural tooth as possible
Signs You May Need a Filling
You may need a dental filling if you’re experiencing:
Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
Toothache or discomfort when biting
Visible holes or dark spots on a tooth
A chipped or worn-down tooth
If you’re unsure, our friendly team in Sandgate can assess your tooth and provide a clear explanation of your treatment options.
The Filling Procedure
The dental filling procedure is straightforward and generally consists of the following steps:
- Consultation and Diagnosis: Your dentist will examine your teeth using X-rays to determine the extent of the decay.
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia will be administered to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring your comfort.
- Decay Removal: The dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth using a dental drill
- Filling Placement: The chosen filling material will be placed into the cleaned cavity. The dentist will shape and polish the filling to ensure a smooth surface.
- Final Check: The dentist will check your bite to ensure proper alignment and make any necessary adjustments.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings offer numerous benefits, including:
- Restoration of Function: Fillings restore the shape and function of your tooth, allowing you to chew properly.
- Prevention of Further Decay: By sealing the cavity, fillings prevent bacteria from entering and causing more damage.
- Improved Appearance: Composite and ceramic fillings match the colour of your teeth, enhancing your smile.
- Long-Lasting Solution: With proper care, fillings can last many years.
Aftercare for Fillings
After your filling procedure, follow these aftercare tips:
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing daily.
- Watch for Sensitivity: Some sensitivity to hot or cold may occur. If it persists, contact our office.
- Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of your fillings and overall dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most dental fillings can last anywhere from several years up to a decade or more, depending on various factors such as the material used, the location of the filling, and your oral hygiene practices. Composite fillings, while aesthetically pleasing, may require replacement sooner than more durable materials like amalgam or ceramic. Regular dental check-ups with your Sandgate dentist can help assess the condition of your fillings and determine if they need replacement.
The filling procedure is generally painless due to the use of local anaesthesia, which numbs the area around the affected tooth. Some patients may feel slight pressure during the procedure, but discomfort is usually minimal. After the anaesthesia wears off, some sensitivity or mild discomfort is normal, but this should subside within a few days. If you experience persistent pain, it’s important to contact your dentist Sandgate for further evaluation.
After receiving a filling, it’s advisable to wait at least 24 hours before chewing on the side of the mouth that was treated, especially if you received a temporary filling. Once the anaesthesia wears off, be cautious with hot foods and beverages, as you might not feel pain or burning sensations due to lingering numbness. Stick to soft foods for the first few days to avoid discomfort.
While dental fillings are safe and effective, there are some minimal risks associated with the procedure. Complications could include temporary sensitivity to hot or cold, which usually resolves on its own. In rare cases, deep fillings may lead to inflammation of the pulp inside the tooth, necessitating further treatment such as a root canal. Infection or allergic reactions to certain filling materials may also occur, though they are uncommon.
Prevention is key to maintaining your oral health and reducing the likelihood of needing fillings. Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash, are essential. Additionally, regular dental check-ups with your Sandgate dentist, professional cleanings, and avoiding sugary snacks can help protect your teeth from decay. If you have specific risk factors for decay, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits or supplemental treatments like fluoride applications.
If you notice any change in your filling, such as a rough edge, it feels loose, or you experience increased sensitivity or pain, it’s crucial to contact your dentist Sandgate promptly. Delaying treatment could lead to further decay or damage to the tooth.
Depending on the extent of tooth decay, there may be alternatives to traditional fillings, such as crowns or inlays/onlays. These options provide more extensive coverage and protection for teeth with significant damage or decay. Your Sandgate dentist can help you understand the best option based on your specific situation.
Our Gentle, Patient-Focused Approach
We understand that some patients may feel anxious about dental treatment. That’s why we focus on gentle care in a supportive and calming environment. Our dentists take time to explain every step and ensure you’re comfortable throughout your procedure.
We welcome families and individuals from Taigum, Boondall, Bracken Ridge, Fitzgibbon, Woody Point and across the Bayside North Brisbane region.
Why Choose Sandgate Family Dental?
Natural-looking white fillings tailored to your smile
Honest advice with a preventive care focus
Calm, relaxed setting for nervous patients
Conveniently located in Sandgate, with easy access for surrounding suburbs
Book an Appointment for Dental Fillings
If you’ve noticed tooth sensitivity or suspect a cavity, don’t wait. Early treatment with a dental filling can prevent further damage and save your tooth.
Get in touch with Sandgate Family Dental today to book your appointment and experience high-quality, personalised care close to home.