Dental Fillings in Hervey Bay
Fillings are essential dental restorations used to rebuild broken or chipped teeth, as well as to treat cavities caused by tooth decay. By restoring the structure and function of affected teeth, fillings help prevent further damage and maintain oral health.
At Smile Dental Hervey Bay (formally White Dental Co.), we offer a variety of filling materials to suit your needs. Our experienced dentist will evaluate your situation and recommend the most appropriate material, considering both durability and aesthetic preferences. The filling process typically occurs in a single appointment, ensuring minimal disruption to your day. Local anaesthetic is used to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Why Choose Us?
Choosing Smile Dental Hervey Bay (formally White Dental Co.) for your fillings means you’ll receive personalised care tailored to your dental needs. Our focus is on preserving your natural tooth structure and restoring your smile effectively.
What is the Best Type of Dental Filling?
At Smile Dental Hervey Bay (formally White Dental Co.), we prioritise the use of high-quality, clinically proven products from reputable dental manufacturers. We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for treating a decayed or broken tooth. The selection of filling material is tailored to each individual patient and depends on various factors.
Composite Resin
At Smile Dental Hervey Bay, we use composite resin as our primary filling material due to its aesthetic appeal and versatility. Available in various shades, composite resin blends seamlessly with natural teeth and adheres well to enamel, making it ideal for both front and back teeth.
Benefits of Composite Resin:
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Perfect for tooth-coloured restorations, ensuring your smile looks natural.
- Versatility: Suitable for dental bonding to close gaps between teeth.
- Strength: Provides durable solutions for small to medium-sized fillings.
Glass Ionomer Cement
At Smile Dental Hervey Bay, we offer Glass Ionomer Cement as a reliable adhesive filling option. Its fluoride-enriched formula provides added protection against future decay, making it particularly beneficial for at-risk teeth.
Ideal Uses:
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- Children’s Teeth: Perfect for pediatric patients to help prevent decay.
- At-Risk Teeth: Recommended for patients with a dry mouth or those prone to cavities.
- Root Surfaces: Effective for treating exposed root surfaces in patients with receding gums.
Dental Amalgam
While amalgam fillings are less common in our practice, they still play a role in modern dentistry. This metal-based material is known for its durability, making it an excellent option for restoring large cavities, although it lacks aesthetic appeal compared to tooth-coloured fillings.
Benefits of Amalgam Fillings:
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- Durability: Strong and long-lasting, ideal for high-pressure areas like molars.
- Cost-Effective: An economical choice for larger restorations.
Restoring Molar Teeth with Inlays and Onlays
When faced with a large cavity in a molar tooth, restoring the tooth presents unique challenges. The chosen filling material must be robust enough to withstand chewing forces, while also considering the remaining tooth structure’s strength to prevent future damage. Additionally, patient preferences for aesthetic options are essential.
In cases of significant damage, a crown might seem like the best option; however, this requires removing more natural tooth structure. A more conservative approach is often preferred.
Inlays and Onlays: A Strong Alternative
Ceramic or gold inlays or onlays are viable restoration options that offer several benefits:
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- Durable: Stronger than conventional fillings, providing better protection.
- Aesthetic: Ceramic options are tooth-coloured, blending seamlessly with natural teeth.
- Conservative: Require less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to crowns.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made in a dental laboratory, necessitating two appointments for placement. While they may have a higher upfront cost, their longevity often justifies the investment.
Take care of your fillings
While fillings themselves do not decay, they can chip or break, and surrounding tooth decay can compromise their effectiveness. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain excellent oral hygiene to protect both your fillings and the health of your teeth and gums. Proactive prevention is the best strategy for ensuring long-term dental health, as healthy teeth contribute significantly to overall well-being.
During regular dental check-ups, your dentist will carefully inspect all existing fillings and may recommend x-rays to detect any hidden decay. Regular monitoring helps ensure that fillings remain in good condition and that any potential issues are addressed promptly.
