A dentist placing a tooth-coloured filling
Restorative Dentistry

Fillings

When a tooth is affected by decay, a filling is one of the most common ways to restore it — removing the decayed portion of the tooth and replacing it with a durable material to restore shape, function and appearance.

Overview

What you should know

At Footscray Dental Studio, we use tooth-coloured composite fillings, designed to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth.

What's Involved

A typical filling appointment includes:

  1. Assessment — your dentist examines the affected tooth, often supported by an X-ray, to determine the extent of decay.
  2. Local anaesthetic — administered as needed to ensure your comfort during treatment.
  3. Removal of decay — the decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed.
  4. Filling placement — the tooth-coloured composite material is applied in layers and shaped to match the natural contour of your tooth.
  5. Curing and finishing — each layer is hardened using a curing light, then polished and checked against your bite.

Signs You May Need a Filling

  • Visible holes or dark spots on a tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
  • Pain when biting or chewing
  • A tooth that feels rough or has a noticeable chip

Not all decay causes obvious symptoms, which is one reason regular check-ups and X-rays are important for catching issues early.

Is this right for you?

Who It's Suitable For

Fillings are suitable for most patients with tooth decay that hasn't progressed to affect the tooth's nerve. For more extensive damage or infection, your dentist may recommend an alternative treatment such as a crown or root canal therapy, which they'll discuss with you following assessment.

A dentist placing a tooth-coloured filling

Caring for a Filled Tooth

Filled teeth are cared for in the same way as your natural teeth — regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups help monitor the filling's condition over time and catch any new decay early.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

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