Dental Fillings in Lara and Geelong

Dental fillings are a way to restore decayed teeth.

Cracks or cavities in your teeth? You may need a dental filling.

Do you experience pain or sensitivity in your teeth when brushing or eating? What about pain when you drink hot or cold liquids? This may be a sign that you need a filling. Tooth decay and cracks often cause pain or sensitivity once they approach the nerve. Dental decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth make acid which then dissolves the tooth. Fillings are used to restore decayed or cracked teeth and stop further damage to a tooth.

The most common application for fillings is to treat dental decay. Alternately, fillings are also an effective way to help improve the aesthetics of your teeth. This may be after they have worn over time. There are two types of materials used. A tooth coloured material that is mercury-free or, a silver filling that is composed of amalgam but does contain mercury. Our preference is always to use the mercury free fillings. Receiving one or multiple fillings can be a quick and straightforward procedure. It is completed in a single appointment.

Alternately, for longevity and strength, a porcelain inlay may also be used for treating dental decay. An inlay is a type of tooth coloured filling. It provides a longer-lasting solution for larger cavities. It is also a solution for old leaking fillings. Most importantly, it will blend naturally with your teeth. Dr Charlie Kahwagi can discuss all the options available to you during your examination or consultation and provide you with a cost estimate.

At Lara Smile Group, we recommend six-monthly check-ups  to maintain good oral hygiene and detect and treat problems as they arise to prevent minor problems from becoming larger ones

Dental filling materials

Composite resins:

A tooth coloured or composite filling has the benefit of being mercury free and can also be matched to the colour of your teeth .  Composite fillings can also be used to repair chipped, broken or worn out teeth.

Gold fillings:

These are an excellent choice in that gold fillings are some of the longest lasting and most biologically compatible filling materials

Porcelain:

Porcelain inlays and crowns have excellent strength, longevity and the added bonus of being matched to the colour of your natural teeth.

Dr Charlie Kahwagi and his associate dentists can discuss all the options available to you during your examination or consultation and provide you with a cost estimate. If you would like to know more about dental fillings or to request an appointment, please contact us today.