Here at Oxley Dental, we provide a range of different filling types to suit each individual patient's clinical situation.
Dental restorations are common, fundamental treatments that aim to restore and replace the structural loss of your teeth.
Our fillings including white and tooth coloured fillings, and traditional amalgam fillings.
Types of Fillings
Composite Resin Fillings
These fillings are made to match with your natural tooth colour and are composed of a mixture of plastic and glass compounds. Composite resin fillings are the most common type of filling used in modern dentistry and are especially ideal for achieving restoring front teeth.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
These fillings are made from a combination of acrylic acids and fine glass, and can be applied to areas of teeth with little to no drilling or preparation needed. These fillings are well suited for gum line areas.
Amalgam Fillings
These fillings are also referred to as silver fillings, which have been used in dentistry throughout history due to their high durability and low cost. They are used in areas with higher biting pressure, as well as areas that are not very visible.
Reasons for Needing a Filling?
Tooth decay
The most common reason for needing a filling is tooth decay. Fillings are needed when the decay has reached the dentine layer of your tooth (second layer), often causing symptoms of pain and sensitivity. Dental decay can occur on any tooth surface, however, most commonly occurs on the top of your teeth or in between teeth, generally as a result from inadequate cleaning, poor diet, and not enough fluoride.
Tooth wear
Fillings may also be needed on teeth that have been worn down. This is often caused by over brushing, grinding teeth, or erosion (from either too much acid in your diet or gastric reflux). The filling acts as a protective barrier from decay and plaque, reducing any sensitivity that may be experienced.
Trauma and failed fillings
Reasons for failed fillings can include fracturing, either by the filling or tooth itself, excessive wear, dental caries around the margin of the filling, or leaking fillings, where debris and saliva seep down between the tooth and filling.
Aesthetics
Filings may also be needed for aesthetic reasons. A simple filling can be used to restore a chipped or broken tooth to its natural look and use. Discoloured areas on teeth can be covered by fillings, improving their appearance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend 6 monthly visits to help maintain your teeth and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Regular preventative and maintenance examinations allows us to diagnose any dental conditions that may arise, and when picked up early enough means that treatment is much simpler and less costly.
To ensure your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible, we recommend regular check ups, along with flossing and brushing twice daily. Limiting the use of mouthrinses, sugary foods, and tobacco products will contribute to maintenance of good oral hygiene.
The purpose of these appointments is to prevent any dental conditions and maintain the health of your teeth. We assess your medical history and discuss any problems or concerns that you may have with your dental health. Next we assess your teeth, gums and all areas of the mouth to ensure they are healthy. A thorough scale and clean will be done, followed by fluoride treatment. X-rays may also be taken at your initial visit with us, which are then updated every two years after that.
If you are having problems or concerns with your teeth, please call the practice and leave a message with your name and contact details, and our friendly staff will return your call the following business day. We can provide our patients with same day appointments for all tooth related emergencies. In the meantime, it is important to try and avoid the area as much as possible, including eating or drinking any hot or cold items as they may make your symptoms worse.
Here at Oxley Dental, we support a variety of health funds, and are also preferred providers for BUPA and HCF. For your convenience, we have HICAPS terminals to make instant claims. We simply swipe your health fund card, authorise the claim and the gap can then be paid either by cash, card, or cheque.