Acts Dental Perth provides dental filling services in Perth CBD and South Perth. We understand how a visit to the dentist can be costly. Therefore, we offer a range of dental filling prices that can fit your budget.
If you’re living in Perth, Australia, book your dentist appointment today and get a dental filling for better oral health!
What is dental filling and how long does it last?
When your teeth are damaged by decay, fractures, or other dental issues, your dentist may recommend dental fillings to repair and restore their function. Dental fillings can fill cavities or gaps in your teeth and restore their shape, function, and strength.
Perth dentists use dental fillings to prevent cavities from getting worse and to protect teeth from further damage. Dental fillings in South Perth help restore teeth' strength and prevent further decay by filling the holes created by cavities.
Dental fillings can last between 5 to 15 years or even more if taken good care of.
Common Dental Issues Requiring Dental Fillings
A dental filling can be an effective solution to fix common dental problems that affect the health and strength of your teeth.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a common dental problem and occurs when decay-causing bacteria in your mouth produce acids that slowly wear down the enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth. Over time, this erosion can cause cavities, which are small holes that make your teeth even more vulnerable to decay.
Dental fillings are effective in treating tooth decay. During the procedure, the dentist carefully removes the decayed part of the tooth and fills the hole with a suitable dental filling material. A dental filling helps restore a tooth’s shape, stops the decay from spreading, and protects the tooth from further damage.
Tooth Fractures
If your tooth has been cracked or fractured due to trauma, accidents, or biting down on hard objects, your dentist can use a filling to repair it, restore its function, and prevent further damage.
Minor Tooth Reshaping (Cosmetic Dentistry)
Dentists can use tooth fillings, such as composite resin, for cosmetic dentistry purposes. Fillings can reshape or resize teeth and correct minor imperfections, such as gaps, chips, or uneven surfaces.
Dental Filling Material
If you need to find the best types of dental fillings for your dental needs, arrange a consultation with your South Perth dentist. Your dentist can recommend the best type of filling for you by determining factors like where the filling material should go, how it should look, how strong it needs to be, and also your budget.
Dental Amalgam Fillings
Dental amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings or dental amalgams, are strong and long-lasting and have been used for several decades. They are made from a mix of metals like silver, mercury, tin, and copper. Because dental amalgams are so durable and strong, dentists usually use them for back teeth where there’s a lot of chewing pressure.
Dental amalgam fillings are less expensive than composite resin but more durable and will last longer, perhaps up to 15 years. However, because they’re made of metal and are dark in colour, they can be pretty noticeable when you eat, laugh, or smile.
Dentists have used dental amalgam fillings for many years, but because some people worry about the mercury in amalgam and its possible health risks, dentists have been considering other alternatives, each with their own pros and cons. However, the FDA says that you shouldn’t remove a good amalgam filling because taking it out can expose you to more mercury and damage the tooth.
Composite Resin Tooth Fillings
Composite fillings, also known as tooth-coloured fillings, have become popular because they look natural and are quite versatile. They are made of a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles, which allows them to blend naturally with your other teeth. One of the advantages of composite fillings is that dentists do not remove as much of your healthy tooth compared to other types of fillings. This means you can keep more of your natural tooth structure.
Because composite fillings look like natural teeth and allow you to keep more of your tooth structure, they can often be a better choice than amalgam fillings.
Ceramic or Porcelain Fillings
Ceramic or porcelain fillings are custom-made restorations and are made in a dental lab. They look natural and can be matched to the colour of your other teeth. These fillings are stain-resistant and provide a strong, long-lasting solution to repair teeth that are moderately to severely damaged. Porcelain fillings are strong enough to tolerate normal biting forces and can be used on both front and back teeth.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer is a type of tooth-coloured dental filling and is made from acrylic and glass powders. These types of fillings release fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from further decay. They are usually used for root surfaces or children’s teeth, where there is low to moderate chewing pressure. While glass ionomer fillings are not as durable as other fillings and may wear or break, they can be a good option in specific situations.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are made from a gold alloy and are extremely durable and biocompatible, which makes them an ideal choice for back teeth. They are also known for their longevity and resistance to wear, which is why they are a popular choice for people with a heavy bite or those seeking a long-lasting solution to restoring their teeth. Plus, many people prefer how gold fillings look compared to silver ones.
Tooth Filling Procedure
The procedure for receiving dental fillings is typically straightforward.
Local anaesthetic and numbing: Your dentist will numb the area around your tooth with a local anesthetic before they begin the filling procedure.
Removal of decayed tooth material: The dentist will then carefully remove the decayed part of the tooth with a dental drill or a laser.
Application and shaping of the filling material: After the tooth is ready, the dentist will apply the filling material in layers. For composite fillings, your dentist will first start with a bonding agent to help the filling material stick to the tooth. Then, they mould the filling to make sure it fits and looks right.
Finishing touches and bite adjustment: After the dentist places the filling material, they will adjust it to make sure your bite feels comfortable. This may trim or polish the filling so that it aligns with your other teeth. Your dentist will also check your bite to make sure nothing feels uncomfortable.
Care and Maintenance of Dental Filling
Taking good care of your dental fillings is important if you want them to last long. Here are key points to consider:
Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and floss every day to remove plaque and food particles that could lead to decay or damage around your filling.
Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. These appointments allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your fillings and identify any problems early, like wear or other dental issues.
Avoid Excessive Force: Try not to bite on hard objects like ice or pens—they can damage your fillings and even your natural teeth.
Be Mindful of Food Choices: Some sticky or hard foods can put extra pressure on your fillings. Try not to eat too much of them to prevent any damage to your fillings.
Experience Affordable Dental Fillings at Acts Dental Perth
If you want to protect your teeth and enhance your oral health with professional dental fillings, visit Acts Denta Perthl. Whether you need to treat tooth decay, repair a fracture, or improve minor cosmetic imperfections, our experienced team at Acts Dental Perth is here to provide durable and natural-looking solutions.
At Acts Dental, we focus on quality care and making sure our patients are satisfied. We offer a wide range of services, including general dentistry, wisdom teeth extractions, and cosmetic dentistry, all conveniently covered by major insurance providers.
We are proud to be a Bupa members first platinum dental provider, Medibank members choice provider, HBF members plus provider, HCF more for teeth preferred provider, and Nib first choice provider dentist in Perth.
Schedule your Perth dentist appointment for dental fillings today by calling us at (08) 9474 5083 and take the first step towards a healthier, brighter smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Your dentist will typically numb the area around your tooth using local anaesthesia to make sure you do not feel any discomfort during the procedure. However, after the anaesthesia wears off, you may feel some sensitivity or discomfort, which is temporary and will improve within a few days. If you experience persistent sharp pain or discomfort that does not improve within a few days, contact your dentist immediately because you may need to have your filling reshaped.
Yes! Fillings can be repaired or replaced if they become damaged or worn out or if additional decay develops around them. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to assess the condition of your fillings and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements to keep your teeth healthy.
How long your dental filling lasts depends on various factors, including the type of filling material, your oral hygiene, and your eating habits. Generally, dental fillings can last 5 to 15 years or even longer.
A temporary filling is a temporary restoration that your dentist may use to protect a weakened tooth until a permanent filling can be placed. A temporary dental filling is typically made of a soft material that temporarily covers the damaged area and helps to prevent more damage or sensitivity.
Yes, you can eat after getting a dental filling, but it’s best to wait for a bit until any numbness from the local anaesthetic wears off. This prevents you from accidentally biting your cheek or tongue when you eat something.
The exact waiting time before you can have something depends on the type of filling. If your dentist has used a composite filling that hardens quickly under blue light, you can generally eat after about two hours. For amalgam fillings, you may need to wait around 24 hours before eating anything hard.
It’s a good idea to start with softer foods, like scrambled eggs or mashed potatoes, until your teeth feel comfortable again.
The cost of a dental filling in Perth can depend on a few things—like what kind of filling material you need, how complicated the procedure is, and which dental clinic you go to for cheap dental fillings in Perth. Generally, a basic composite filling may cost anywhere from $150 to $300, while amalgam fillings tend to be a bit cheaper. If the dental filling is larger or if the dentist needs to do extra work to prepare the tooth, the cost could be higher. The best way to know the price is to check with your local dental clinic in Perth.