Dental Fillings in Kurri Kurri
A cavity is a small hole in your tooth caused by decay. The good news is that modern fillings are quick, comfortable, and completely restore your tooth’s function and appearance. We use tooth-coloured composite fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
What is a Filling?
A dental filling is a restoration that removes decayed tooth material and fills the space with a safe, durable material. Fillings stop decay from spreading, restore the tooth’s strength, and prevent infection or abscess formation.
Why Tooth-Coloured Composite?
We choose composite (resin) fillings over older silver amalgam for several reasons:
- Natural appearance — They match your tooth colour exactly, so nobody can see the filling
- Direct bonding — Composite bonds directly to your tooth, often making it stronger than amalgam
- Conservative — We remove only the decayed portion, preserving more healthy tooth structure
- No mercury concerns — Composite is free from mercury, eliminating health concerns some patients have about amalgam
- Versatile — We can use composite for small cavities or larger restorations
The Filling Process
- Local anaesthetic — We numb the area so you feel no pain during treatment
- Remove decay — We carefully remove all decayed tooth material using a high-speed handpiece
- Prepare the cavity — We shape and clean the space to prepare it for the filling
- Apply adhesive — A special bonding agent helps the composite stick to your tooth
- Place composite — We carefully place and shape the composite material to match your tooth contours
- Harden with light — We use a blue LED light to harden the composite
- Polish — We smooth and polish the filling to match your tooth surface
After Your Filling
Your filling is hard and ready to use immediately. You may experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days—this is normal and usually subsides. Avoid chewing hard foods on the newly filled tooth for the first 24 hours if possible.
Prevention is Best
The best “filling” is no filling at all. Regular check-ups, good brushing and flossing, a diet low in sugar, and fluoride use can prevent most cavities.
Related Services
If decay has reached the inner pulp, you may need root canal therapy instead of a filling. For teeth too damaged to fill, a dental crown — including our CEREC same-day option — can restore full strength and appearance. Prevent future cavities with regular check-ups and cleans.
Have a cavity that needs filling? Call us on 02 4936 2011 or book online. We can often fill cavities on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most fillings take 20-30 minutes to place. The exact time depends on the size and location of the cavity. We remove the decayed portion, clean and prepare the tooth, and then place and shape the filling material.
The filling procedure itself shouldn't hurt because we numb the area with local anaesthetic. Some patients feel vibration from the drill or pressure during placement, but no pain. If you're nervous, let us know—we can use Happy Gas or take breaks during treatment.
Modern composite fillings typically last 7-10 years or longer with good care. They're durable and don't require replacement unless they break or new decay develops. Regular check-ups help us monitor them and spot any problems early.
Yes, modern composite fillings are very strong and durable. They bond directly to your tooth structure, which can actually make the tooth stronger than with amalgam. They also look natural and match your tooth colour perfectly.
Fillings rarely fall out if placed correctly. However, they can eventually fail if new decay develops at the edge, or if the tooth is subjected to excessive force. Regular check-ups help us catch problems early. If a filling does fail, we can replace it quickly.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your appointment today or call our friendly team.