Tooth Filling - Dentist service Highgate Hill and West End

We understand that some patients might dread getting a tooth filled; however, they can be necessary to restore a damaged or cracked tooth and to prevent further tooth decay.

At Highgate Hill Dental Centre, our professional team specialise in all areas of general dentistry – including white and amalgam fillings for toothaches, holes and chips. During your dental check up, our team will assess the general health of your mouth and advise if a tooth filling may be required.

We want to restore your smile with the best quality treatment and ensure your teeth are fully functional once more.

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The type of material used for dental fillings is dependent on:

Where in the mouth the tooth is, What caused the damage, Where the damage has occurred, Expected longevity of the tooth, The tooth’s structure and ability to retain a filling.

It is best to ask your dentist as to which material is the most suitable in your situation, as different materials will suit in different cases.

Common materials that we use may be:

Composite Resin (Often referred to as a “White Filling”)
These are a strong type of filling, which are comprised of ingredients such as resin and silica particles. Our dentists prefer to use them for most cases, due to the natural looking colour, ease of polishing and their ability to bond with the natural tooth structure.
Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) Filling
This type of filling can help repair teeth microscopically, as it releases fluoride once it is bonded to a tooth to help prevent further decay. Although not as strong as a composite resin, this type of filling is considered to be more water resistant and insulates nerve tissues well.
Amalgam Filling (Typically referred to as silver or metal filling)
This material has been used in dentistry for a long time and is still used when necessary, as it is a strong material that can seal well. Although we do not use amalgam much these days, there are situations where it is the best material due to its water resistant properties and strength.

What To Expect During An Appointment

Once it’s been identified that a filling is required, our dentists will explain the tooth filling procedure to you. Here are the most common steps involved:

Step 1: Topical anesthetic or local anesthetic may be needed to numb a tooth.

Step 2: Any decay is removed and if there is a fracture, the surface of the tooth might need to be trimmed.

Step 3: The tooth is cleaned so a filling can stick to it.

Step 4: A dentist may put a retaining structure called a matrix band around the tooth. This is like a mini cake tin, and helps give shape to the filling. They will then pack the filling material into the area bit by bit and cure it so that it hardens.

Step 5: Polishing of the fillings is the final step. The bite is also checked to make sure the filling is not proud and any final aesthetic polishing is performed.

Our experienced dentists take their time during these kinds of procedures and only use quality materials, as we want fillings to have longevity and durability.

If you have tooth that you think might need a dental filling, talk to us today.

6 Reasons to Choose Highgate Hill Dental

FAMILY-ORIENTED

We are a welcoming, inclusive, family-friendly practice. We have patients that span multiple generations and our professional team enjoy caring and creating a fun environment for smiles young and old.

POSITIVE DENTAL EXPERIENCES

We go above and beyond to create positive dental experiences, working as a team with our patients and empowering you to take control of your oral health.

CONVENIENT LOCATION

Our suburban clinic is conveniently located within walking distance to Brisbane’s CBD. There is onsite, as well as street parking available. Our practice is also close to public transport and schools.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Our dentists and dental assistants speak a wide variety of languages and can cater to many different cultural requirements.

'BIG BLUE HOUSE'

For your comfort, our team memebrs work together as a family to create a ‘homely’ vibe. Our practice is set up as a house and has been a fixture of the Highgate Hill and West End area since 1957.

COMMUNITY FOCUSED

Our community is important to us. We try to play our role for the environment using digital records to minimise paper, as well as implementing solar and recycling programs. We also display artwork that our young patients create for us around the clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have an injection/local anaesthetic before a treatment?

No, whether or not you have a local anaesthetic injection is completely up to you. Each case is different and in certain situations numbing may not be required e.g. if a tooth has had its nerve removed. In saying that, we do find that most patients find procedures much more comfortable under local anaesthetic. If having an injection is what is worrying you, our dentists are more than happy to talk you through your options and answer any questions you might have. Regardless of whether you have local anaesthetic or not, our dentists always try to be as gentle as possible.

Are amalgam fillings still used?

Yes, they are. However, in most cases, our patients do have a choice of different materials and our dentists are happy to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option in each circumstance. Amalgam is a completely safe material that has been used in dentistry for over 150 years and continues to be approved for use by the Australian Dental Association.

Do you do cosmetic dentistry such as veneers, bleaching, and bonding?

Yes, our mission is to help you achieve the smile that makes you feel happy, healthy, and confident and we have many options to get you there. When undertaking cosmetic procedures we aim to achieve your goal whilst maintaining the integrity and health of the natural tooth structure.

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