If your tooth is damaged due to decay or trauma, you may need a dental filling.

Dental fillings are used to repair tooth structure, so your tooth can function as well as possible.

There are different types of filling materials – every type of material has benefits and limitations.

Your dental professional will advise which is best for your tooth.

Composite resin

Composite resin is a tooth-coloured material that is bonded to your tooth and made from a mixture of plastic and glass.

• It is often used to repair teeth where aesthetics are important (for example, in a front tooth).
• The average composite filling can last from 5 - 7 years.

Glass ionomer cement (GIC)

A white or coloured material that is bonded to your tooth which is not as strong as composite resin.

• A GIC is made from a mixture of glass and polymer liquid.
• Commonly used to restore baby teeth, seal tooth fissures and for temporary fillings. It releases a small amount of fluoride, is less sensitive to moisture and is easy to use.
• The average GIC can last from 2 - 5 years.

Amalgam

A mixture of metals, including silver, copper, tin, mercury, and zinc.

• A very strong material usually used for large fillings in back molar teeth.
• Amalgam is safe to use for most people, though is not commonly used in children.
• An average amalgam filling can last for 15 years.

Please discuss your preference about dental filling materials with your dental professional.

Your dental professional may numb your tooth with a local anaesthetic before starting the filling. If the filling is only small, you may not need anaesthetic.

Rubber dam may be used to prevent contamination from bacteria and moisture.

Whether your tooth is decayed or fractured, a drill or other special instruments are used to prepare your tooth for the filling. The tooth is washed and dried and then filled with the filling material.

After a filling, your tooth may be more sensitive to hot and cold, pressure or sweet foods. This should only last a short time. If the discomfort continues, please contact your dental clinic.

Fillings can last a long time provided you maintain good dietary and oral hygiene habits. However, they do not last forever.

Factors that affect how long a filling will last:

• Tooth grinding - constant wear and tear can cause fillings to chip and crack.
• Oral hygiene - food and bacteria that build up around a filling can lead to tooth decay, pain and sensitivity.
• Diet - hard or sticky foods (such as lollies, nuts or ice) can increase the chance of a filling breaking or coming out.
• White fillings, like natural teeth, can become stained from certain foods, drinks and tobacco over time. You may need to have the filling polished or replaced.
• Make sure to book regular dental check-ups so your fillings can be monitored.

Dental crowns (also known as caps) may be an option for damaged teeth that can’t be fixed with a filling.

Crowns can be made of a range of materials, such as porcelain, gold base metal, acrylic or another tooth-coloured material. Your dental professional will discuss the best options with you.

• Just a dot – not a lot! - use a ‘dot’ of toothpaste, the size of a pea, on the toothbrush.
• Spit don’t rinse! - after brushing, spit the toothpaste out but don’t rinse with water.
• Brush morning and night! - to keep your teeth healthy, brush your teeth in the morning and before bed at night.
• Less sugar a day helps prevent tooth decay! - reduce the amount of sugary foods and drinks per day.
• Drink more tap water, and don't delay, for healthy teeth, make it your way!
• Quit smoking/ vaping – call 13 78 48 for free advice on how to quit.
• Have regular dental check-ups.

Adults

Adults (18 years or older) who live in South Australia and hold a current Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card can attend one of our clinics.

Find out more about joining our waitlist below

Children

Everyone under 18 years who either lives in or goes to school in South Australia can attend one of our clinics.

We see children who are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

Find out more about requesting an appointment with us below