Dental filling cost & treatment Melbourne

Dental Fillings

DENTAL FILLINGS & RESTORATIONS

What is a dental filling?

Dental fillings (one form of dental restoration), are a common treatment used to restore teeth damaged by decay, fractures, or wear. When a cavity forms due to decay, a filling helps restore the tooth’s function and prevent further damage and potential tooth loss. Several materials can be used for dental restorations. An MC Dental dentist can assist in finding a suitable option for you. Common dental restorations include dental fillings for front teeth, temporary fillings, fillings for fractured or chipped teeth, and fillings for children.

Types of Dental Fillings

Every MC Dental Melbourne dental clinic offers multiple filling options to suit your needs. Discover the common types of dental fillings, as well as their advantages and disadvantages below.

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composite filling Melbourne

1. Composite Resin Fillings

  • Natural-looking, tooth-coloured material
  • Perfect for front teeth or visible areas
  • Requires minimal tooth removal
  • Ideal for patients prioritising aesthetics
  • Cost-effective and same-day solution
  • Robust and reliable for most dental situations
Glass Ionomer Fillings Melbourne

2. Glass Ionomer Fillings

  • Releases fluoride to protect against future decay
  • Excellent for children and those with high cavity risk
  • Affordable but less durable than composite or ceramic
  • Ideal for temporary restorations
  • Good option for below-gum-line cavities
ceramic fillings Melbourne

3. Ceramic/Porcelain Fillings

  • Premium tooth-colored restoration option
  • Exceptional stain resistance and color stability
  • Superior strength and longevity
  • Precise color matching to natural tooth shade
  • Ideal for larger cavity reconstructions
  • Minimally reactive medical-grade material
Inlay and Onlay Melbourne

4. Inlays and Onlays

  • Advanced dental restoration for significant tooth damage
  • Lab-crafted custom solutions for precise fit
  • Multiple material options:
  1. Porcelain for aesthetic perfection
  2. Gold for long-lasting durability
  3. Composite for balanced performance
  • Conserves maximum natural tooth structure
  • Alternative to full dental crowns
amalgam filling melbourne

5. Amalgam Fillings

  • Traditional silver/grey appearance
  • Extremely durable and long-lasting
  • Cost-effective solution
  • Particularly suitable for back teeth
  • Strong resistance to wear and tear
  • Note: While amalgam fillings were historically common, our clinic now predominantly uses more advanced, tooth-colored restoration options that provide superior aesthetics and are safer for your overall health.
types of tooth fillings

Here’s a quick comparison of the most common dental filling options, their costs, and benefits to help you make the best choice for your oral health.

Not sure which type of filling suits you? Our team will recommend the best option during your dental appointment. We consider various factors including:

  • Location of the cavity
  • Size of the restoration needed
  • Your budget considerations
  • Aesthetic preferences
  • Long-term durability requirements
  • Your overall oral health condition

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tooth pain

Signs You Might Need a Dental Filling

You may require a filling if you experience:

  • Persistent sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
  • Pain or discomfort while chewing
  • Visible holes, dark spots, or damage to your teeth
  • Noticeable wear on your teeth
dental filling in Melbourne

The Dental Filling Procedure: What to Expect

Our filling procedure is designed for comfort and efficiency.
Step 1: Initial Examination

  • Comprehensive dental assessment
  • X-rays to evaluate decay and structure
  • Discussion of treatment options

Step 2: Tooth Preparation

  • Local anaesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience
  • Careful removal of decayed tooth material

Step 3: Filling Placement

  • Cleaning and disinfecting the cavity
  • Placement of the filling material
  • Shaping and hardening with dental light (if needed)

Step 4: Final Adjustment

  • Checking bite alignment
  • Refinements for optimal comfort

Procedure Duration: Most fillings take 30–60 minutes per tooth. Complex cases may take longer.

floss teeth Melbourne

Aftercare and Maintenance of Dental Fillings

Immediately After Your Dental Fillings

  • Avoid eating until the anaesthetic wears off
  • Mild sensitivity is normal and temporary
  • Use over-the-counter pain relief if needed

Long-Term Dental Filling Care Tips

  • Brush twice daily and floss regularly
  • Avoid excessive sugar and acidic foods
  • Visit your dentist for routine check-ups
  • Consider fluoride toothpaste for added protection

FAQ – Dental Fillings

How much is a dental filling?

Dental fillings play a critical role in addressing dental issues such as a broken tooth or chipped teeth. The cost of a dental filling, is determined based on the size of the filling required. In your itemised invoice, you can expect to see it listed as an ‘x amount surface adhesive restoration.’ This classification is due to the fact that each cavity varies in size, and specific considerations are taken into account to create a personalised filling or restoration for you. Factors such as the position of the affected tooth and the type of filling used are also important in determining the cost. As a result, the tooth filling cost can vary.

Do your dental payment plans cover fillings?

Yes. Our dental payment plans provide coverage for dental restorations, including dental fillings. We offer affordable tooth replacement options through Zip Pay, After Pay, ensuring accessibility for our patients.

For more information about payment plan visit payment plans page.

Why do you need dental fillings?

Teeth fillings provide a quick, conservative, and convenient solution for addressing various dental problems, including cavities, teeth wear, and dental cosmetics. While they offer excellent versatility, it’s important to note that they are not the only option available. It is advisable to consult with an oral health professional to explore and discuss all the available treatment options best suited to your specific dental needs.

What should I do if my filling comes loose or falls out?

If your dental filling becomes loose or falls out, it is essential to seek assistance from your dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring this issue can lead to various dental complications, including food packing and further eruption of the opposing tooth. These problems can escalate and result in more significant oral health issues that are often harder to resolve and may require expensive treatments. Don’t delay in getting professional help for your loose or lost dental filling. Until you see your dentist, please try to do the following: Keep the area clean, limit eating or chewing on the affected area, choose softer foods and avoid extreme temperatures.

How long is a dental filling procedure?

Dental filling procedures are generally quick, but the duration can vary depending on factors such as the size & location of the cavity and the type of dental material used. On average, dental fillings can usually take anywhere between10 minutes to 1 hour.

Do you offer temporary tooth fillings for a chipped tooth?

Yes, we provide temporary dental fillings for broken or chipped teeth. Temporary dental fillings are typically used in emergency situations or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, with the intention of replacing the filling in the near future. It is advisable to consult with your dentist to address your concerns, who will create a customised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Is dental filling painful?

Dental fillings are typically performed with the administration of local anaesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience for patients. However, for small fillings, local anaesthesia may not always be necessary. Dentists are aware of patients’ concerns about pain and strive to provide a gentle and pain-free experience. They make every effort to minimise discomfort and prioritize patient comfort throughout the procedure.

How long do teeth hurt after fillings?

Tooth sensitivity is not uncommon following the placement of a dental filling. The sensitivity may show as discomfort when applying pressure, exposure to air, consuming sweet foods, or encountering temperature changes. Good news is, in most cases, the sensitivity resolves naturally within a few weeks. During this period, it is better to avoid triggers that cause the sensitivity and contribute to discomfort.

Can dental fillings break?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Dental fillings can deteriorate due to tooth decay, grinding, or wear & tear. However, by ensuring regular monitoring and adopting proper care practices, you can extend the lifespan of your dental fillings.

How long will dental filling last?

The lifespan of a dental filling depends on various factors and can vary depending on the type of fillings, from 5 years to over 15 years. The longevity of these restorations is influenced by factors such as the materials used, oral hygiene practices, and the patient’s overall dental health. It’s recommended to consult with your dentist to get a more accurate prognosis regarding the lifespan of specific dental restorations based on your individual circumstances.

Can children get dental fillings?

Absolutely. It’s crucial to prioritise oral health in children, dispelling the misconception that baby teeth don’t require fillings since they will eventually fall out anyway. In reality, baby teeth play a vital role in a child’s development. Premature loss of baby teeth can lead to difficulties with eating, resulting in nutrition issues and potential future orthodontic complications. Dental professionals emphasise the importance of fillings if needed in baby teeth to prevent further damage and infections, as they help halt decay from spreading and causing more significant harm in the future.

Where can I get a dental fillings in Melbourne?

MC Dental has 6 locations in Melbourne: Westfield Doncaster dental clinic, Melbourne Central dental clinic, Docklands dental clinic, Glen Waverley dental clinic, Brighton dentist clinic and Highpoint dentist. Our professional dentist team can assist you with dental fillings 7 days a week.

We offer a range of dental services to suit your individual needs and concerns, from general dental check-up and clean to cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening and orthodontics. Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality dental care in a comfortable and relaxed environment.


 

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