White Fillings in Balmain
A cavity in a tooth won’t heal by itself and it’s likely to get worse without treatment. White fillings are a quick and usually painless treatment that can restore a tooth’s strength and natural appearance.
Our experienced dentists at Dentistry by Design provide white composite fillings and other restorations suitable for all ages. Call 02 9810 5507 to make an appointment at our Balmain dental clinic.
What are white fillings?
‘White’ fillings are made from various materials that our dentists can match to the natural shade of your teeth. They are most commonly made from a composite resin that bonds directly to the tooth surface. Glass ionomer cement is another option that’s generally used for children’s fillings in baby teeth.
If you need a larger or stronger filling, our dentists may recommend a porcelain filling or inlay/onlay. These are custom made outside the mouth and bonded into place.
Why do I need a filling?
Our dentists in Balmain will usually recommend a white filling to repair a cavity caused by tooth decay or other minor damage to teeth. You might need a filling if:
- you have a toothache or pain when biting
- your tooth has become more sensitive to temperature
- you can see or feel a hole or damage in a tooth
- there are discoloured spots on the tooth close to the gum
A white filling may also be chosen for aesthetic reasons, such as to replace an old metal amalgam filling.
How is a filling placed?
Placing a composite filling is one of the most common and straightforward dental procedures and can be completed in a single visit to our clinic. The stages involve:
- Numbing the area around the tooth to prevent pain
- Carefully removing all decayed or damaged tissue
- Cleaning and shaping the cavity
- Applying the composite resin in layers and curing it using a UV light
- Shaping and polishing the new tooth surface
Once a filling has been placed, it should last for a number of years with good care before it needs to be replaced.
White fillings vs metal fillings
White composite fillings are now the standard in modern dentistry, but some dental clinics still offer metal fillings. These are made from an amalgam of several metals, including mercury, which can be hazardous to the environment.
Metal fillings have a number of disadvantages that make them the less popular option today. These include their less natural appearance and visibility in the mouth and the risk of complications such as tooth sensitivity or causing cracks in teeth as they deteriorate.
What are the alternatives to a filling?
You may need more than a filling if tooth decay or damage is more extensive.
- If less of the tooth's structure remains, our dentists can instead manufacture and attach a custom crown.
- If damage or bacteria has reached the soft centre of your tooth (the pulp), a root canal treatment will usually be needed.
Inspirational
Statement
Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu Leo. Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis.
White composite fillings in Balmain
If you think that you or your child might need a filling, call our friendly team on 02 9810 5507 or make an online booking. Our Balmain dentists will examine your mouth and explain all your treatment options for protecting your oral health and restoring your smile.
Our results
