Maintaining Healthy Teeth with Dental Fillings in Karrinyup

• Metal fillings:
  Metal fillings are made of amalgam, a combination of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. These fillings are strong and durable but can be visible when you smile.
  
  
• Composite fillings:
  Composite fillings are made of a resin material that matches your tooth’s colour. They are less durable than metal fillings but are more aesthetically pleasing.
  
  
• Ceramic fillings:
  Ceramic fillings are made of a strong material that matches the appearance of your natural tooth. They are durable, but they can be more expensive than other types of fillings.
  
  
• Gold fillings:
  Gold fillings are made of gold and other metals. They are durable and last many years but are more expensive than the other fillings.

• Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily to eliminate plaque and food particles between your teeth.
• Use a mouthwash to help rinse away bacteria and keep your mouth fresh and clean.
• Avoid crunchy and sticky foods, as they can damage your fillings.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
• Seek prompt dental care if you experience tooth pain or sensitivity.

The cost of dental fillings depends on many factors. This includes the location of the tooth that needs restoration, the filling material used, and the complexity of the procedure. At Karrinyup Dental Centre, the cost starts at $180 and may increase based on the size of the restoration needed.

We suggest contacting our knowledgeable team of dentists for a more detailed estimate of the cost of your dental procedure.

The procedure for placing fillings may vary depending on the type of filling material used. Below are the basic steps involved in a dental filling procedure:

• Numbing the area:
  The dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. This will prevent any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
  
  
• Removing decay:
  The dentist will use a dental drill to remove the decayed part of the tooth.
  
  
• Etching the tooth:
  The dentist will etch the surface of the tooth with an acidic gel. This will help the filling material bond more securely to the tooth.
  
  
• Applying the filling material:
  The dentist will apply the filling material to the cavity, carefully shaping and sculpting it to fit the contours of the tooth.
  
  
• Hardening the filling:
  The dentist will use a special light to harden the filling material.
  
  
• Polishing the filling: Once the filling has hardened, the dentist will polish it to smooth out any rough edges for a natural appearance.

Getting a dental filling is generally not a painful procedure. Before beginning the filling process, the dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth so that the patient does not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Patients may feel a slight pressure or vibration during the drilling process, but it should not be painful.

After the filling is placed, some patients may experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or mild discomfort in the filled tooth, but these symptoms should subside within a few days. In some cases, patients may experience minor discomfort or sensitivity in the filled tooth for a few weeks after the procedure, but this is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

It is recommended to have your dental fillings and teeth checked at least every six months. This way, your dentist can monitor that your dental fillings are still intact, secure, and functioning properly. Regular dental checkups can also help detect any issues with the filling or the tooth before they become more severe and require more extensive treatment.