Dental fillings restore lost tooth structure following cavity treatment. Placing fillings is one of the most common dental procedures any dentist performs. All of our practices offer natural-looking composite fillings that can be colour-matched to blend in with your smile. Magic Smiles is proud to serve our community with two convenient locations in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga.
Dental Fillings
What are dental fillings?
Fillings refer to any material that “fills in” small pockets of missing tooth structure. Fillings can be made from metal or composite resin. Our practices work with composite fillings because the material is safer for your smile and more natural looking.
Traditional fillings are made from silver amalgam – a mixture of tin, copper, zinc, silver, and mercury. Metal fillings can expand and contract over time, which can further damage your teeth. Many patients also worry about health concerns regarding mercury content. Furthermore, metal fillings are visible when you smile, as they don’t blend in with the surrounding tooth structure.
Conversely, composite fillings are biocompatible, meaning that the material will not leach into your saliva or bloodstream. Another benefit of composite fillings is the fact that the material can match the color and luster of enamel for truly natural-looking, lifelike results. Finally, composite fillings are less invasive than their conventional metal counterparts. As a result, more of the natural tooth structure is preserved.
Tooth-colored composite fillings are so natural-looking that many patients cannot tell where their fillings begin and end! In fact, many individuals opt to have their old metal filling removed and replaced with composite restorations. Our dentists can safely remove metal fillings before replacing them with attractive composite fillings.
Am I a candidate for fillings?
Anyone who is undergoing cavity treatment is a candidate for dental fillings. Following the removal of decayed tooth structure, your dentist will clean the treatment site and place composite fillings to restore your smile.
Dental fillings are typically used to treat mild to moderate cavities. If you have sustained significant dental damage or have a cavity that is too large to be repaired with a filling, you may be better suited for a dental crown.
How are fillings placed?
Fillings can be placed during one convenient visit to one of our three practice locations. Once your cavity treatment has been completed or your silver amalgam fillings have been removed, the treatment site will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
Then, your dentist will use a shade guide to colour-match your composite fillings to the surrounding tooth structure. The composite resin material is then used to fill the void left behind by the cavity and a special blue light cures – or hardens – the material.
Finally, your dentist will make any last-minute adjustments, ensuring that the fillings do not interfere with your bite. There is no recovery time associated with fillings. Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity, especially when consuming hot or cold food or beverages. Any temperature-related sensitivity should subside within a few days following treatment.
How to Maintain Your Dental Fillings
Caring for and maintaining your dental fillings is easy. Following your treatment, simply follow good oral hygiene habits by brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Dental cleans are also important. Without adequate care, decay can build near the fillings. Over time, tooth decay can loosen the composite restorations.
Ask your dentist how often you should attend regular cleans for optimal oral health. Many patients find that six-month cleans are adequate. However, if you’re prone to cavities or other dental problems, more frequent visits may be beneficial.
Hard foods can damage or dislodge fillings, so be mindful of certain foods that have hard shells or bones. If possible, you may want to avoid those foods entirely. Finally, schedule regular checkups with your dentist. During those visits, your dentist can determine if your fillings are in good condition. A loose or damaged filling will need to be replaced to prevent tooth decay and other dental problems.
Schedule Your Dental Fillings Treatment Today
Dental fillings are a convenient and affordable treatment that can restore strength and beauty to your smile. To schedule your next visit, please contact us online or give us a call. We can schedule your appointment at the location that is most convenient for you.
Coffs Harbour
176 Pacific Hwy, Suite 2
Coffs Harbour
NSW 2450
P: (02) 6652-3242
[email protected]
Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm
Sat: 9am to 12:30pm by appointment
Sun: Closed
Woolgoolga
43 Beach Street
Woolgoolga
NSW 2456
P: (02) 6654-0650
[email protected]
Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
