Dental fillings
Looking after your teeth is one of the easiest ways to prevent decay and reduce the chance of needing a dental filling. Our Wellington, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt clinics treat cavities with a gentle touch and minimal discomfort.
What is a filling?
Fillings are used to restore the function of your teeth after the removal of decay or to repair broken or cracked teeth. Our dentists will numb the area with local anaesthetic.
We can also use numbing gel to make you more comfortable before your injection. Your dentist will check that the area is numb before removing the decay. Once the tooth is prepared, we’ll fill the cavity with a composite filling, porcelain filling or creamic filling.
Types of fillings and their material
Popular filling materials include composite, porcelain, ceramic and gold.
We do not use amalgam fillings or silver fillings as they can expand and require that more of the natural tooth is removed.
Composite fillings
Composite fillings are made of silica, plastic, glass quartz, and other ceramic particles added to a resin base. They are natural looking and are great for repairing chipped, broken or worn teeth as they create a strong bond.
Ceramic fillings
Ceramic fillings are usually made from porcelain. Ceramic fillings last a long time and have a lifespan of around 15 years. As a result, they are slightly more expensive than many other types of fillings.
Gold fillings
Gold fillings are highly durable and can last up to 20 years. They’re also very strong and aren’t likely to break or crack. Gold fillings are the most expensive. They also require at least two appointments to fit.
Glass ionomer fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are mainly used on children and for fillings below the gum line as they are easy to fit. The silicate glass powder contains fluoride which can help to prevent future cavities and protect teeth.
What to expect at your filling appointment
01
An initial 30-minute consultation with x-rays and a mouth exam
02
A follow up 60-minute appointment for getting your filling
03
Pain-relief options including local anaesthetic and numbing gel
04
You will be ready to return to work or school after treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take care of my fillings?
Take care of your dental fillings by brushing twice daily, flossing and avoiding hard or sticky foods. If you have fillings, you’ll need to see your dentist annually, especially if your fillings are old. Your dentist can check that your fillings and the surrounding tooth structure are healthy and let you know when they need to be replaced.
Does getting a filling hurt?
We take a gentle approach to fitting your fillings and removing tooth decay. Before any work begins, we will use local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure you don’t feel anything. If you don’t like injections, we can also numb your gums before administering pain relief. Your tooth may feel sensitive after getting a filling, but this will disappear after a day or two.
How do I know if I need a filling?
If you have tooth sensitivity or toothache, visit your dentist as it could be a sign of decay. Tooth decay often doesn’t have any symptoms, which is why seeing your dentist for regular checkups is so important.
