Question 1

How much does a restoration or dental filling cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a dental filling is dependent on the size and complexity of the defect to be restored. At our practice, fillings start from $180 and can go up to $450 for the more complex fillings. If you have private health insurance, this may be partially or wholly covered.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

No two fillings are the same. A quality filling takes the right materials, equipment, skill and time to do. Restoring a tooth back to how it originally was is somewhat an artform and the longevity of a filling may be influenced by its quality. If a filling is not bonded carefully, you may experience ongoing sensitivity, problems with biting and it may not last as long. When you restore a tooth with us, you know that our dentists will strive to provide the best restoration for you.

Question 3

Can I smoke after a dental filling?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. Smoking, however, will cause long term staining of the restoration over time.

Question 4

How long does numbness last after dental filling?

Accepted Answer

After being administered a local anaesthetic when undergoing a dental filling procedure, many people will experience numbness or loss of sensation typically in the area of their cheek face, lips and tongue. The duration of this numbness depends on the individual and typically ranges from two to four hours. It is important to follow any instructions your dentists provide regarding food intake or other activities until full sensation has returned to protect your tooth, gums and other oral tissues from injury.

Question 5

What materials are used for dental fillings?

Accepted Answer

There are a range of materials available for dental fillings, including resins, amalgams, cements and ceramics. Resins are typically the most popular choice these days due to their aesthetic qualities and improved strength. Amalgams provide excellent durability but lack the cosmetically appealing feature offered by resin materials. Amalgam, although a stiffer material, also can induce crack formation within the tooth due to the difference in flexure between the amalgam and natural teeth. Cements are often used to secure fixed prosthodontic appliances like crowns and bridges in place. Some cements can be used as a temporary restoration in emergencies and for teeth that the dentist knows a revisit to the tooth is required. Finally, Ceramics have been increasingly popular amongst dental professionals due to their natural and realistic colours; they also mimic enamel when polished properly. Ultimately, the choice of material is up to the individual patient’s preferences and clinical needs.

Question 6

What are dental fillings?

Accepted Answer

Dental fillings are restorative materials used to repair teeth affected by decay and other forms of damage. Due to the advancement of technology nowadays, various types of fillings are available on the market which range from temporary to permanent and amalgam to composite. These dental fillings serve as substitutes for the tooth structure lost due to decay—by filling the space caused by cavities, they help protect the remaining healthy tooth structure from further infection, keep bacterial invasion at bay, reduce sensitivity and bring back the tooth's original shape and contours. By maintaining overall dental health through preventative treatments such as dental filling placements, future oral problems can be lowered substantially.

Question 7

How do fillings work?

Accepted Answer

During a filling, a dentist will remove any decayed material from the tooth before replacing it with an appropriate material. Fillings are usually composed of various metals such as silver amalgam, gold alloy, and non-metallic materials like porcelain or resin composites. These materials are carefully sculpted into the shape of the missing portion of the tooth and placed in place with a special adhesive. In some cases, a light beamis used to harden the composite for it to cure permanently and anchor the filling into the tooth. Fillings work by providing structural support to damaged teeth while also protecting them from further damage and decay.

Question 8

Will my dental filling be covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Generally, dental fillings in Australia are covered by health insurance extras policies. Each individual policy varies and coverage for treatments can depend on a range of factors, including the type of material used and whether it is considered a cosmetic procedure or medically necessary. However, as a rule, basic materials and common treatments such as dental fillings will usually be covered by most health insurance providers in Australia. Before any treatment is undertaken it is always recommended to check with your insurer to ensure what is eligible for reimbursement or coverage.

Question 9

How will I know when my filling needs a replacement?

Accepted Answer

Knowing when to replace a dental filling can require attention to detail and diligent self-monitoring. For those who understand the process, the signs of a failing filling are usually clear. First, look for changes in overall texture; if it feels rough or there is now a lump where none existed before, it may be due for replacement. Also pay attention to odours emanating from your mouth; this could indicate that bacteria have infiltrated into a compromised filling, necessitating treatment. Finally, if you experience pain upon chewing or hot/cold sensations surrounding an affected area, you should seek out professional help. By staying ever vigilant of any changes to your oral health, you can protect yourself against the need for more serious interventions.

Question 10

Can children get fillings?

Accepted Answer

The concept of fillings for children may be daunting for many parents and caregivers, but it is important to know that in some cases, they are necessary. Fillings are done to address cavities that have developed due to poor dental hygiene, the accumulation of bacteria, and eating too many sugary foods. These issues can affect children just as easily as they can adults and should be addressed accordingly to preserve the health of their teeth.

Question 11

Do You Provide Denture Repair?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do provide denture repairs. With every check up with us, we recommend people to bring their dentures in. If you are someone who does not wear your denture because it has broken or is uncomfortable, there is a good chance that you may need a new one. Occasionally we can repair these broken dentures in the chair if it is simple or it needs to be sent out to our local technician who can service more complex breakages.

Dental Fillings Officer