Dental Fillings Officer

Restore your decayed or broken teeth to their original form.

Dental Fillings Officer

Dental fillings provide a long lasting and aesthetic restoration of your natural teeth. Loss of tooth structure because of dental decay, trauma or wear can reduce dental hygiene, making it difficult to keep the area clean. A good dental filling not only holds up well functionally, it mimics natural teeth and also decrease likelihood of more decay from occurring.

Traditionally, amalgam fillings were used for dental restorations. Due to the versatility, aesthetics and the improved technology of composite resins, white fillings have now become the preferred standard of dental fillings. At Officer Smiles, high-quality composite resins are used that blend in seamlessly with natural teeth providing a durable and virtually undetectable solution for broken teeth.

Dental Filling Procedure

The process starts with a comprehensive consultation and exam in which the patient's dental health is evaluated and their individual needs assessed. Then, options for treating or preventing decay are discussed, including whether a filling is necessary or not. If fillings are recommended, they are skilfully placed using advanced materials that are safe, durable and aesthetically pleasing. 

During this procedure, anaesthesia may be administered to ensure the patient's comfort before the filling material is carefully applied to the damaged tooth to create an intact seal between the enamel and dentin layers. When finished, additional restorations may be suggested depending on the extent of damage. Officer Smiles takes pride in employing professional and knowledgeable staff who make each visit as comfortable as possible for their patients.

Why You May Need Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are a common solution to address a variety of issues with the dental health of an individual. These issues include visible tooth breakdown, sensitivity to cold, heat, sweetness or brushing; floss tearing; defects or roughness on the tongue as well as discolouration or greyness of teeth. 

The purpose of filling is to restore the affected area back to its normal, intact state and is usually performed by a dentist using composite materials, glass ionomer cements, ceramics and amalgams. Dental fillings can greatly reduce the discomfort associated with these issues and may help to even improve aesthetics.

It is recommended that those who experience these symptoms to contact Officer Smiles for an assessment so an appropriate treatment plan can be implemented.

Risks and Possible Complications for Dental Fillings

There are minimal risk and complications associated with dental fillings. The most common issue with dental fillings encountered in the clinic is poor follow up of patient to address preexisting root causes, especially when it comes to decay. 

Dental fillings do not make the teeth any stronger than what they are. They merely make things easy to clean and look better. This means the hygiene in the area still needs to be good. This is particularly true when it comes to white fillings. It is common for patients with persistent poor oral hygiene or sugary habits to get a break down of the borders of the relatively young fillings again to (you've guessed it) decay. It is strongly encouraged to improve your technique and cleaning in the area that one has previously had a filling because there is a reason why a filling was needed in the first place.

The other complication of dental fillings has to do with deep fillings. If a hole is big enough, whether it be caused by decay or trauma, the tooth can still die despite having a beautiful dental filling in it. This is because our teeth are very porous once enamel has been broken. This means bacteria has the ability to enter the tooth walls and go through these walls into the nerve. If sufficient bacteria has been in the nerve for long enough, the tooth is unable to cope with the existing bacteria even if the filling is stopping new bacteria from entering. This can result in what we call irreversible pulpitis, which means irreversible irritation and inflammation of the nerve, simply known as a dying nerve.

Understanding these complications, when you choose Officer Smiles for the job, the highly experienced and qualified team will take all the right precautions and ensures it is done safely and effectively. You can rest assure knowing that you are in safe professional hands and we do our best to offer a restoration that is predictable and last.

Dental Filling Alternatives

To help patients present and future maintain healthy dental care, our dentists may offer additional options for tooth restorations beyond fillings. Indirect Dental bonding is one type of tooth restoration that involves the application of preformed composite material directly to a tooth's surface and can be used to repair teeth that are discoloured, chipped, or have minor gaps. 

Inlays and onlays are larger indirect composites or ceramic that are created outside of the mouth using digital impressions. These inlays and onlays can subsequently be bonded onto the teeth. Additionally, porcelain or metal crowns are used when a significant amount of the external portion of a tooth has been damaged due to decay, breakage or erosion.  

By offering these alternatives, in combination with traditional fillings, our dentists can work together with patients to create specialised treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.

Types of fillings

At Officer Smiles, we are committed to only offering the top-quality treatment for our patients. To ensure the best outcome possible, we assess each tooth properly to recommend a suitable material for restoration.

Comprised of a mixture of glass and plastic particles, composite resin fillings are gathered from an array of shades that perfectly match tooth enamel and give it a natural look. Composite resins can also be moulded into curves and bonds to create an even more aesthetic appearance and provide versatile strength.

Other types of filling include glass ionomers, which serve well in areas of the mouth which are under the gums, experiencing a lot of moisture during placement, or if we are apprehensive that a certain tooth will survive a filling. 

Occasionally, we will also use composites with nano fibres in them to create a core structure that supports a future crown. Other times, we may use dental fillings to create soft tissue profiles to shape and prepare the gums for an implant. We can even create a temporary tooth replacement bridge out of dental filling materials. 

As you can see, officer smiles use many advanced techniques to optimize the short and long term restorative outcomes.  We make sure to always use high quality materials that are non-toxic, biocompatible, glossy and strong. 

Benefits of Fillings

Dental fillings are an essential form of restorative dentistry, providing a variety of beneficial outcomes to patients. Commonly involving a tooth-coloured material, such as composite resin and porcelain, a dental filling serves as an excellent preventive measure for protecting the tooth from further decay or fracture. 

Dental fillings also help restore a natural appearance to one's smile, allowing for normal oral functioning without detriment to aesthetics. Furthermore, if the decay from caries is left untreated and exposed, it can lead to more serious dental complications that could require extensive interventions. 

Therefore, in order to maintain optimal oral health and prevent pain or discomfort caused by cavities, dental fillings can be relied upon as a viable way for restoring teeth quickly and efficiently.

Fillings Cost and Payment Plans

If you need a dental filling, the cost of treatment can vary depending on the size and complexity of the defect. At Officer Smiles, we understand that dental treatment is an investment, so we offer fillings from as low as $180 and can go up to $450 for more complex restorations. 

We also offer our patients HUMM - an interest free payment plan - as well as SUPERCARE - which allows superannuation withdrawal to pay for essential treatment - to help them get the dental care they need at an affordable price immediately. Finally, if you have private health insurance coverage, you may be eligible for partial or even full coverage of dental filling costs. Children under Medicare CDBS will be completely free provided there is enough allocated funds.

With healthy teeth, you get to eat what you love.

We lose tooth structure as a result of decay (caries), trauma, wear and other reasons. When an old dental filling is lost or when there is a hole in your tooth, the void makes it harder for you to keep the area clean. This inability to clean properly results in the tooth deteriorating as the decay grows deeper into the tooth.

The aim is to restore your tooth in a way that mimics your natural teeth.

This means your tooth can perform its function well, it is easy for you to maintain and it looks real at the same time. Conventionally, amalgam (meltal fillings) were used for majority of restorations. Composite resins (white fillings) are now the standard as they are versatile, strong, and aesthetic.

We only use high quality composite resins that blend in.

If you experience symptoms that include (not an exhaustive list):

- Visible tooth breakdown
- Pain or sensitivity to cold, heat, sweetness or brushing
- Floss tearing
- Defect or roughness to your tongue
- Tooth discolouration or greyness.

There may be underlying decay or your old dental fillings may be breaking down.

In the areas of Officer, Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield Upper, Berwick, Cardinia, Clyde, Clyde North, Cranbourne, Cranbourne North, Officer, Officer South, Pakenham, Pakenham Upper, Pakenham South, and Rythdale, individuals can find a range of dental services to cater to their oral health needs. Officer Smiles in these areas offer a comprehensive array of dental service.

Contact us or book online so we can address it early and prevent needing a larger restoration.

FAQ

How much does a restoration or dental filling cost?

I can get a cheaper filling elsewhere. Why should I do it with you?

Can I smoke after a dental filling?

How long does numbness last after dental filling?

What materials are used for dental fillings?

What are dental fillings?

How do fillings work?

Will my dental filling be covered by insurance?

How will I know when my filling needs a replacement?

Can children get fillings?

Are There Options for a Fixed Denture?
What Are Dentures Made of?
Do You Provide Denture Repair?

Why Should I Consider Teeth Replacement with Dental Implants?

How Long Does the Dental Implants Process Take?

Do You Offer Payment Plans for Dental Implants in Officer?

Leave your worries at the door and enjoy a healthier, more beautiful smile

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