Tooth Fillings in Fairfield VIC
Cavities are one of the most common ailments that affect our smiles. Most of us will need at least one in our lifetimes. Dental decay is caused by acidic bacteria that soften and eventually erode healthy enamel. This creates an active infection that spreads deeper into the next layer of the tooth structure, called the dentin.
Many people think of cavities as a ‘kid’s disease,’ but adults are just as susceptible, especially since enamel thins as we age due to wear from chewing and ageing. We screen all of our patients for dental decay with digital dental x-rays and an evaluation with one of our dentists.
How to Know if You Need a Tooth Filling
The only way to be sure if you need a filling is to arrange an exam with your trusted Melbourne dentist. If you are searching for a family dentist with a convenient location in Fairfield, Melbourne, we warmly welcome new patients of all ages to both of our dental clinics.
We will typically perform a visual exam and investigate what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth with digital dental x-rays.
Symptoms of tooth decay include:
- Sensitivity to sweets
- Food packing between the teeth
- Rough surface area
- Pain on biting
- Dark colouration in the grooves of the teeth
How We Treat Dental Decay
By eliminating tooth decay as quickly as possible, we can prevent it from spreading to other teeth or into the nerve of the infected tooth. This is done by removing the infection and placing a filling within the tooth, sealing out bacteria and restoring full form to the tooth itself. The type of filling you choose can be made from different types of materials.
Porcelain and Composite Fillings
Porcelain and composite fillings allow us to restore both aesthetics as well as function to the tooth. Each material is closely colour-matched so that the final restoration resembles the colour of the surrounding tooth enamel. These types of fillings are also a minimally invasive alternative to traditional metal fillings.
Many patients find these types of tooth-coloured fillings preferable for front teeth that are visible when you smile.
Traditional Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are an affordable and long-lasting restoration that can be used for moderate to large cavities. We typically recommend these silver fillings for back teeth only, as they will not be as noticeable when you are smiling or talking around other people.
Contact Our Dental Clinic in Fairfield
If you suspect that you have a cavity, we recommend having your tooth examined as soon as possible. This allows us to minimise the amount of treatment that might be needed. If you have dental anxiety, it’s important to remember that our gentle Melbourne dentists always look after the comfort of our patients.
