Dental Fillings
Tooth-coloured fillings, matched to your teeth, for cavities, chips and worn fillings. Our dentists use composite fillings that are shade-matched to your natural teeth. They repair the tooth and blend in with your smile, and most fillings are done in a single visit.
Why might you need a tooth filling?
A filling repairs a tooth that’s been damaged by decay or wear, so it’s strong and comfortable to chew on again.
Many people don’t notice anything at first. Your dentist often spots a tooth that needs a filling at your regular examination, before it starts to hurt.
Decay or a cavity
A small hole in the tooth caused by decay, which can grow if it isn’t treated.
A cracked or chipped tooth
A small crack or chip from biting something hard, or a knock to the mouth.
A worn or failing old filling
An older filling that’s cracked, leaking or breaking down at the edges.
General wear
Teeth worn by grinding, acidic food and drinks, or years of use.
Tooth-coloured (composite) fillings
Matched to your shade. Bonded to your tooth.
A composite filling is made from a tooth-coloured resin. Your dentist matches it to the shade of your natural teeth, so white fillings blend in rather than standing out like older silver fillings. Composite bonds directly to the tooth, which means your dentist can usually keep more of your natural tooth.
Natural-looking
Shade-matched so it blends in with the teeth around it.
Bonds to the tooth
Sticks to the tooth surface, helping keep more of your tooth.
Front and back teeth
Strong enough for the teeth you chew with.
Also called white fillings or composite fillings
What to expect at your filling appointment
Most fillings are done in one appointment. Here’s what happens.
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1
Assessing the tooth
Your dentist checks the tooth and chooses a shade that matches your natural teeth.
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2
Preparing the tooth
The damaged or decayed part is gently removed and the tooth is prepared for the filling.
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3
Placing the filling
Composite is placed in layers and each layer is set with a special light.
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4
Shaping and polishing
Your dentist shapes the filling to your bite and polishes it to a smooth finish.
Your comfort comes first
We use local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and keep you comfortable. If you feel nervous about the dentist, let us know when you book. How we help anxious patients →
Our General Dentistry Services Include
How much does a tooth filling cost?
The cost of a filling depends on the size of the filling and the tooth being treated. Your dentist confirms the price at your appointment, before any treatment starts.
Size of the filling
A small filling costs less than a large one.
Number of surfaces
Fillings covering more surfaces of the tooth cost more.
Which tooth it is
Front and back teeth can be priced differently.
Health fund cover
Fillings are usually claimable under extras cover.
Confirmed at your appointment, before treatment starts
Your dentist checks the tooth and tells you the cost of your filling first, so there are no surprises.
Health fundsFillings are usually claimable under general dental extras. How much you get back depends on your fund and cover.
Payment plansSpread the cost with Humm, Afterpay, Zip or TLC. See payment plans →
Filling, inlay or crown?
How much of the tooth is damaged usually decides which one suits. Your dentist explains the options for your tooth.
Filling
For small to medium damage. Fills a cavity or repairs a chip. Usually done in one visit, keeping the most natural tooth.
You’re here
Inlay or onlay
For medium to large damage. A custom-made piece that fits into or over part of the biting surface, where a filling may not be strong enough.
Crown
For large damage. Covers the whole visible tooth to protect it, often used for heavily filled, cracked or root-filled teeth.
Dental crowns →
How long do fillings last?
With good care, fillings can last many years. How long yours lasts depends on its size, where it is in your mouth, your bite and habits like grinding.
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Brush and clean between your teeth
Brush twice a day and floss or use interdental brushes daily, especially around the edges of the filling.
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Keep your regular check-ups
Your dentist checks your fillings and can repair small problems early.
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Go easy on sugar and acid
Sugary and acidic food and drinks can cause new decay around a filling.
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Protect your teeth if you grind
If you grind or clench, a night guard may help protect your fillings.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
Dental filling FAQs
This is general information only. Your dentist can answer your questions at your appointment.
Does getting a filling hurt?
Your dentist uses local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and keep you comfortable during treatment. The area may stay numb for a few hours afterwards, and some people notice mild sensitivity for a few days.
How much does a tooth filling cost in Australia?
The cost of a tooth filling depends on the size of the filling, how many surfaces of the tooth it covers and which tooth it is. Fillings are usually claimable under general dental extras cover. Your dentist confirms the cost at your appointment, before any treatment starts.
How long does a filling take?
Most fillings take about 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the filling and the tooth being treated. Most are done in a single appointment.
How long after a filling can I eat?
Composite fillings are set with a light during your appointment, so they’re hard straight away. Wait until the numbness wears off before eating, usually a few hours, so you don’t bite your cheek or tongue.
How long does a filling last?
With good care, fillings can last many years. How long yours lasts depends on its size, where it is in your mouth, your bite and habits like grinding. Your dentist checks your fillings at your regular appointments.
What is a tooth filling made of?
At Avenue Dental we use composite fillings, made from a tooth-coloured resin that’s matched to the shade of your teeth. Composite bonds to the tooth and is strong enough for front and back teeth.
How do I know if I need a filling?
Signs can include sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet things, pain when biting, a hole or dark spot on a tooth, or food catching in one place. Often there are no signs at all, which is why your dentist checks for decay at your regular examination.
Do I need a filling if my tooth doesn’t hurt?
Sometimes, yes. Decay often doesn’t hurt in its early stages. Treating it while it’s small usually means a smaller filling and helps stop the decay from reaching the nerve.
Is it normal for a tooth to be sensitive after a filling?
Some sensitivity to hot, cold or biting for a few days to a couple of weeks can be normal. If it doesn’t settle, gets worse, or the filling feels high when you bite, call us so your dentist can check and adjust it.
What should I do if my filling falls out?
Keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side and call us. We offer same-day emergency appointments when you call before 10am.
Can I replace my old silver fillings with white ones?
Often, yes. If an old silver (amalgam) filling is worn, cracked or breaking down, your dentist may suggest replacing it with a tooth-coloured composite filling. Your dentist checks whether replacing it is the right option for you.
Are white fillings as strong as silver fillings?
Modern composite fillings are strong enough for both front and back teeth. For very large areas of damage, your dentist may suggest an inlay, onlay or crown instead, as these can give the tooth more support.
What’s the difference between a filling and a root filling?
A filling repairs damage to the outer part of the tooth. A root filling, also called root canal treatment, treats an infected or damaged nerve inside the tooth, and the tooth is then sealed and often protected with a crown.
What’s the difference between a filling and a crown?
A filling repairs a small to medium area of damage inside the tooth. A crown covers the whole visible tooth and is used when a tooth is heavily filled, cracked or weakened.
Are fillings covered by health insurance?
Fillings are usually claimable under general dental extras cover. How much you get back depends on your fund and your level of cover.
