Dental Fillings

Do you have a toothache? You're not the only one.

Tooth decay is common and most people will need a filling at least once in their life. Fillings are used to repair holes in teeth caused by tooth decay. Fillings don’t last forever and often also need replacement as they get old.

Dental fillings and what to expect

Dental fillings and what to expect

What is a Dental Filling?

Fillings are used to repair holes in your teeth that have been damaged by either tooth decay, minor injury, a broken or lost old filling or other damage. There are different types of fillings including composite (white) fillings, glass ionomer fillings or amalgam (metal) fillings. At Northcote Dental, we only use the most advanced filling materials to fix your teeth. Our expert dentists will work together with you to choose the best material to fix your tooth and get it back in shape.

Signs You May Need a Dental Filling

  • Sensitivity to cold or sugary foods
  • Toothache
  • Dental floss that repeatedly tears at a certain spot
  • A visual black or dark spot
  • A hole you can feel with your tongue or food getting stuck in
Dental fillings

Dental fillings

What to Expect When Getting A Filling?

When you come in for your filling, our dentists will usually numb your tooth using a local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel a thing while the tooth is treated. Once the tooth is numb, a dental drill helps to remove the decay and smooth out any sharp edges to prepare it for the filling. When the tooth is prepared, the filling will be placed inside the hole to seal it up. Blue light is sometimes used to make the filling strong and hard. The filling is then smoothed and polished, so it feels and looks good as new.

Signs You May Need a Dental Filling

  • Sensitivity to cold or sugary foods
  • Toothache
  • Dental floss that repeatedly tears at a certain spot
  • A visual black or dark spot
  • A hole you can feel with your tongue or food getting stuck in

Book your appointment today!

If there are any indicators that a filling is needed, your dentist will let you know during your check-ups; however, if you are feeling discomfort or sensitivity, you should come in right away. If you’re in pain and think you need a filling, call us right at once!