What Are Dental Fillings and When Do You Need One?
Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures in dentistry — and one of the most important. They repair teeth damaged by decay, restore normal function, and prevent the problem from getting worse. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Dental Filling?
Fillings are a common dental treatment for decay. The decayed area is cleared away, the tooth is cleaned, and a material is placed to rebuild its structure. They are also used to repair minor damage such as chips, cracks, or wear from grinding.
When Do You Need a Dental Filling?
The most common reason for a filling is tooth decay — a cavity that develops when bacteria erode the enamel over time. In the early stages, decay often causes no pain or obvious symptoms, which is why regular dental check-ups are so important. Your dentist can identify decay before it becomes a larger problem and recommend treatment at the earliest opportunity.
You may need a filling if you experience:
- Sensitivity or discomfort in the teeth when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet items
- A visible hole or dark spot on a tooth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A rough or sharp edge on a tooth that wasn’t there before
- A lost or cracked existing filling
Types of Dental Fillings
There are several filling materials available, each with different properties, longevity, and cost.
Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings are the most commonly used filling at Bondi Dental. Made from a tooth-coloured resin, they blend naturally with your teeth and can be used on both front and back teeth.
We use mercury-free white composite fillings as standard. With proper care, composite fillings can last up to 12 years.
Amalgam fillings are a silver-coloured mixture of metals used in dentistry for over 150 years. They are durable and cost-effective, but they are visible due to their dark colour.
Many patients choose to have old amalgam fillings replaced with white composite alternatives.
Ceramic and porcelain fillings are highly stain-resistant and closely match the appearance of natural teeth. They are a premium option, typically used for larger restorations, such as inlays and onlays.
Gold fillings are the most durable option, with a lifespan of 20 years or more, but are the most expensive and require multiple appointments.
Your Bondi Beach dentist will choose the most appropriate filling material based on the cavity’s size and location, your bite force, and your preferences.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
A standard filling is a straightforward procedure carried out under local anaesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout. The steps are:
- The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic
- Any decayed or damaged tooth structure is carefully removed.
- The cavity is cleaned and shaped
- The filling material is applied and moulded to restore the tooth’s natural shape
- The filling is hardened and polished
Most fillings are completed in under 30 minutes, though a larger cavity may take a little longer. Some sensitivity in the days following the procedure is normal and usually settles quickly.
What Happens If a Cavity Is Left Untreated?
Without treatment, decay will continue to progress deeper into the tooth. What starts as a simple filling may eventually require a dental crown, root canal therapy, or, in severe cases, extraction. Early treatment is always simpler, less costly, and more comfortable.
FAQs
Are dental fillings painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should feel no pain during the filling. Some mild sensitivity or discomfort in the days following is normal and typically resolves on its own.
How long do dental fillings last?
This depends on the material. With good care, composite fillings can last up to 12 years. Amalgam fillings last up to 15 years, and gold restorations can last 20 years or more. Regular check-ups allow your Bondi Beach dentist to monitor the condition of existing fillings.
Can a filling fall out?
Yes. Over time, fillings can become loose or dislodge, particularly if the tooth is under strong bite force or the filling has aged. A lost filling should be assessed promptly — the exposed tooth is vulnerable to further decay and sensitivity.
Do I need a filling if I have no pain?
Possibly. Decay in its early stages often causes no pain. This is why regular dental check-ups are important — your dentist can identify a cavity before it causes symptoms and treat it while it is still small.
Can children get fillings?
Yes. Fillings are used to treat decay in both baby teeth and adult teeth. Treating decay in baby teeth is important — untreated decay can cause pain, infection, and affect the development of the permanent teeth beneath.
What should I avoid after getting a filling?
Do not eat or drink anything very hot or cold straight after the procedure, especially while the anaesthetic is still active. With composite fillings, avoid habits such as chewing ice or biting hard objects, as these can chip the material.
Dental Filling in Bondi Beach
Think you might need a filling? Book an assessment at Bondi Dental!
The sooner decay is treated, the simpler the procedure. If you have tooth sensitivity, pain, or haven’t had a check-up recently, our team at Bondi Dental can assess your teeth and recommend the right course of action. We see patients from Bondi Beach, Bondi Junction, Bronte, Tamarama, and North Bondi.
Call us on (02) 9365 7187 or book an appointment online. You’ll find us at 136 Curlewis St, Bondi Beach.
