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Dental Fillings

Dental Fillings at Robina Quays Dental Care, Gold Coast

Comprehensive Dental Fillings and Restorations

At Robina Quays Dental Care, we specialise in providing high-quality dental fillings, also known as restorations or dental bonding, to repair teeth damaged by decay or injury. We exclusively use composite or resin fillings, which not only restore the functionality of the tooth but also enhance its aesthetic appearance.

The Filling Process at Robina Quays Dental Care

The process begins with the careful removal of decayed or damaged tooth material. The area is then meticulously cleaned to prepare for the filling. We utilise state-of-the-art composite or resin materials, matched to the natural colour of your teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing restoration. The composite material is precisely applied, shaped, and then hardened with a specialised light. This not only restores the tooth to its original function but also maintains its natural appearance.

Our emphasis on composite fillings aligns with our commitment to providing treatments that address both functional needs and aesthetic desires. Composite fillings offer a durable, tooth-coloured solution that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them ideal for visible areas.

Why Choose Composite Fillings?

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Composite fillings are tooth-coloured and blend indistinguishably with your natural teeth.
  • Preservation of Tooth Structure: This approach allows for more conservative treatment, preserving more of your natural tooth.
  • Durability: Modern composite materials are strong and long-lasting, suitable for restoring teeth to full function.

At Robina Quays Dental Care, our skilled team is dedicated to providing fillings that not only restore dental health but also enhance the natural beauty of your smile.

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The Importance of Dental Fillings: Preventing Decay and Avoiding Root Canal Treatment

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Dental fillings are a fundamental aspect of oral health care, essential for repairing teeth damaged by decay or injury. The role of a filling is to restore the tooth’s structure and function while preventing further decay and more severe dental issues. Robina Quays Dental Care focuses on providing composite or resin fillings, which are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

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Understanding Dental Fillings

A dental filling, a type of dental restoration, repairs damage caused by tooth decay and prolongs the tooth’s life. When tooth decay starts, it begins with bacterial plaque forming on the teeth, using food particles to create acids that break down the tooth’s enamel. This decay, if left unchecked, penetrates through the tooth layers, leading to cavities​​​​.

The process of filling a tooth involves drilling out all decayed material, cleaning the cavity, and then filling it with a suitable material. Composite resin is a popular choice, especially at Robina Quays Dental Care, due to its ability to closely match the natural tooth color. This tooth-colored or white filling material is used for both aesthetic and functional restorations, and because it bonds to the tooth’s surface, less natural tooth structure needs to be removed compared to other types of fillings​​​​.

Importance of Timely Treatment

Tooth decay does not improve on its own and only worsens over time. If decay makes it through the enamel to the dentin layer, the tooth becomes sensitive to temperature and pressure, indicating more extensive damage. Untreated decay can lead to abscesses, requiring drastic treatments like root canal therapy or extraction​​​​.

Choosing the Right Filling Material

Composite fillings, made from a mixture of acrylic resin and powdered glass, are aesthetically pleasing but may not be as durable as amalgam. They are ideal for small-to-medium fillings and areas requiring aesthetic focus but may not be recommended for deeper fillings on biting surfaces due to their less durable nature​​.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) supports the use of various dental filling materials, emphasizing that the choice of material should be made based on factors like the tooth’s location, the size of the filling, patient history, and cosmetic concerns​​​​.

Conclusion

At Robina Quays Dental Care, we understand the importance of timely and effective treatment of tooth decay. By offering composite resin fillings, we provide a solution that not only stops decay in its tracks but also preserves the natural appearance of your teeth. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are crucial in preventing decay and the need for more extensive treatments.

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FAQs

A composite filling is a restorative dental material made from a mixture of acrylic resin and finely ground glass-like particles. It’s used to repair tooth decay, fractures, or chips. The key advantage of composite fillings is their aesthetic appeal, as they can be closely matched to the natural colour of your teeth. Additionally, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, providing support and often requiring less removal of healthy tooth tissue compared to other fillings.
The time taken for a composite filling procedure can vary, typically ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. This duration depends on factors like the extent of decay, the tooth’s location, and the filling’s complexity. The procedure involves removing decay, preparing the tooth, placing the composite in layers, and using a special light to harden each layer. Finally, the filling is shaped and polished to match the tooth’s natural appearance.
Composite fillings are quite durable and are expected to last for several years, but their lifespan can be influenced by the filling’s size and location, as well as the patient’s oral habits. While they are strong, they may not be as long-lasting as metal fillings under the pressure of chewing, particularly for large fillings.
The advantages include a natural appearance, as they can be closely matched to the natural tooth colour. They bond directly to the tooth structure, providing additional support and often requiring less drilling compared to amalgam fillings. They are versatile and can be used for various types of dental repairs, including chipped or broken teeth.
Post-filling care involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, and avoiding habits that can damage the filling, like biting nails or chewing on hard objects. It’s also advisable to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages may occur initially but usually subsides.
Composite fillings are suitable for small to medium-sized cavities and are particularly effective in visible areas of the mouth, like front teeth. However, for very large cavities or areas under high chewing pressure, other materials might be recommended.
Compared to amalgam (silver) fillings, composites offer a more natural look and require less tooth structure removal. However, amalgams are typically more durable for large cavities in back teeth. Compared to gold fillings, composites are less expensive and require less invasive procedures but may not last as long.
Yes, composite fillings are often used for children as they are aesthetically pleasing and require less removal of tooth structure. They are particularly suitable for front teeth or visible areas of the mouth.
During the procedure, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth with a local anaesthetic. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed, and the area will be cleaned. The composite is then applied in layers, with each layer being hardened using a special light. Finally, the composite is shaped and polished to match the natural contours of the tooth.
Yes, one of the key benefits of composite fillings is that they can be closely matched to the existing colour of your teeth. Your dentist will select a shade that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a more aesthetic and natural-looking result compared to other types of fillings.
Composite fillings typically last between 5 to 10 years, but their longevity can vary based on factors like the filling’s size, its location in the mouth, the amount of stress from chewing, and the patient’s oral hygiene practices. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the condition of the fillings and to undertake any necessary maintenance.
The process of getting a composite filling is usually not painful because the area around the tooth is numbed with a local anaesthetic. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity following the procedure, but this typically subsides within a few days. Your dentist can provide advice on managing any post-treatment sensitivity.
After a composite filling, it’s generally advised to avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks for a few days if you experience sensitivity. It’s also prudent to avoid particularly hard, sticky, or chewy foods immediately after the procedure to prevent putting undue pressure on the new filling. Normal eating habits can typically be resumed shortly after the filling is placed.
Yes, composite fillings can often be repaired if they become chipped or cracked. The repair process usually involves removing the damaged part of the filling and adding new composite material. However, if a filling is extensively damaged, it might need to be replaced entirely.
Signs that you may need a composite filling include toothache or sharp pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet; visible holes or pits in your teeth; dark spots on the surface of a tooth; and sensitivity to biting pressure. Regular dental check-ups can also detect cavities that might not yet be causing symptoms.
A composite filling protects the tooth by restoring its shape and function after decay has been removed. The filling material bonds to the tooth, which helps to reinforce the tooth’s structure and prevent further decay or damage. By sealing off spaces where bacteria can enter, a composite filling also helps to prevent further decay.
Composite fillings are designed to match the colour of your natural teeth closely, making them virtually unnoticeable when you smile or talk. This aesthetic benefit is one of the main reasons why patients and dentists prefer composite fillings, especially for front teeth or visible areas of the mouth.
While composite fillings are less prone to staining than natural teeth, they can discolour over time, especially if frequently exposed to substances like coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings can help minimise staining.
The cost of a composite filling can vary depending on factors like the size of the filling, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the dental practice. Generally, composite fillings are more expensive than amalgam fillings but less expensive than gold fillings. It’s best to discuss the cost with your dentist and check with your dental insurance provider regarding coverage.
You can typically return to your normal activities immediately after getting a composite filling. However, you may be advised to wait until the anaesthetic wears off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue accidentally. Sensitivity to hot and cold might be experienced for a few days, but this usually subsides quickly.