Dental Fillings in Yokine Tailored to Your Unique Smile

Dental fillings are made from several types of materials, each with its own benefits. The most common materials include:

• Amalgam:
  This durable material is made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings are strong and are often used in back teeth where chewing forces are greatest.
• Composite Resins:
  These tooth-coloured fillings are preferred for their aesthetic appeal. They are made of a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. Composite resins can be matched to the colour of your teeth and are most commonly used for the front teeth.
• Gold Fillings:
  These are made of a gold alloy and are known for their durability. However, they are more expensive and not commonly used due to their distinct colour.
• Glass Ionomer:
  This type of filling is made from acrylic and a specific type of glass material. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from further decay. However, they’re less durable than other types of tooth fillings and are usually used in small cavities or areas not subjected to heavy chewing pressure.

Your dentist at Sage Dental will help you determine which material aligns with your oral health needs. They will consider your functional requirements and aesthetic preferences in their recommendation.

Delaying dental filling treatments can have a ripple effect on your oral health. It can lead to a range of complications that may require more extensive and costly treatment in the future. Here’s what could happen if you postpone getting a dental filling:

• Progression of Decay:
  The decay can progress, and the cavity will continuously grow without treatment, affecting a larger part of the tooth.
• Increased Sensitivity:
  As the decay spreads closer to the tooth’s nerve, sensitivity to temperature and sweets will be experienced. 
• Pain and Discomfort:
  Prolonged tooth decay can cause continuous toothaches, potentially requiring emergency treatment.
• Infection:
  Advanced tooth decay can infect the tooth pulp and lead to abscess formation, possibly necessitating a root canal treatment or extraction.
• Risk of Tooth Loss:
  Severe decay can weaken a tooth, increasing the risk of fracture and tooth loss.
• Aesthetic Concerns:
  Decay, especially in the front teeth, can affect your smile and confidence.
• Overall Health Implications:
  Tooth decay is a type of infection. It can spread to other parts of the body since bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and infection elsewhere in the body. Similarly, chronic oral infections can affect blood sugar regulation, exacerbating diabetes.
• Additional Costs and Complex Treatments:
  The longer you delay a filling, the more complicated and expensive the treatment will become. What might have been managed with a dental filling could escalate to a root canal treatment or even tooth extraction, both of which are more invasive and costly.

Promptly addressing tooth decay with a filling can prevent these outcomes. At Sage Dental, we recommend timely intervention to manage tooth decay or damage effectively. Schedule an initial consultation with professional dentists at our clinic so they can assess and address your oral health needs. Our experienced team is committed to providing comprehensive dental care.

Modern anaesthetic techniques have made dental filling procedures comfortable. Your dentist may use a local anaesthetic to numb the affected tooth so you won’t feel any pain. After the procedure, you may feel mild discomfort once the numbness fades, but this is usually temporary. 

The durability of dental fillings can vary widely and can be influenced by several factors, including the type of material used. Here’s a breakdown based on the different types of filling materials:

• Amalgam Fillings:
  These fillings are known for their durability and are often used in molars that undergo significant wear and tear. Their lifespan averages 15 years or more.
• Composite Resin Fillings:
  Composite resin is popular for those looking for a more natural appearance. However, it’s worth noting that these fillings generally have a shorter lifespan, between 5 and 7 years.
• Gold Fillings:
  Though not as commonly used due to their higher cost, gold fillings stand out for their exceptional durability. In many cases, they can last for more than 20 years.
• Glass ionomer fillings:
  Glass ionomer fillings are commonly used in pediatric patients and small cavities in adults. It can last around three years.

Given above are average lifespans, and there are various factors that can impact the actual longevity of your tooth fillings. Lifestyle choices, such as smoking or habits like chewing ice, can accelerate the wear and tear of your fillings. Proper oral hygiene maintenance and refraining from using teeth for unintended purposes, such as opening packages, can greatly extend the lifespan of your natural teeth and fillings.

At Sage Dental in Yokine, we aim to provide you with the most suitable type of dental filling for your needs. For a comprehensive evaluation and personalised recommendations, we encourage you to consult your dentist at Sage Dental.

Taking care of your dental fillings is essential to maintaining your oral health. To prolong it’s lifespan, here are some tips:

• Maintain good oral hygiene:
  Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around your teeth and fillings. 
• Regular dental check-ups and cleanings:
  Regular visits to your dentist are important so they can check the condition of your fillings. Monitoring the condition of your fillings is needed, as they can wear down or become damaged over time.
• Avoid hard foods:
  Avoid hard or sticky foods that might damage or dislodge fillings. Careful chewing is advised, especially when your molars have been filled. 
• Limit sugary and acidic foods:
  These can contribute to decay around fillings. Rinse with water after consuming them.
• Don’t use teeth as tools:
  Avoid habits like using your teeth to open packages or to bite your nails, as this can damage or dislodge your fillings.
• Use a mouthguard if needed:
  If you grind your teeth or play contact sports, a mouthguard can help protect your fillings.
• Report any issues:
  If you experience sensitivity or pain or notice a crack in your filling, contact your dentist promptly.

By following the tips above, you can extend the longevity of your tooth fillings and contribute to better oral health. However, always consult your dentist for personalised advice.

The expense associated with fillings for teeth can vary. It is usually influenced by several factors, such as the number of teeth requiring treatment, the size and depth of the cavity, and the tooth’s location. The cost of dental fillings in Yokine starts at approximately $160 to $275. For more intricate dental filling procedures, you can expect costs to range between $300 and $480.

To get a more precise estimate, it’s advisable to consult with your dentist at Sage Dental. They can perform a comprehensive evaluation and provide a more accurate estimate of the cost of your dental filling procedure.

Many dental health funds provide cover for teeth fillings. However, the extent of that cover can differ depending on your specific policy. Some health funds implement a waiting period before you can claim cover for tooth fillings or other similar treatments. For this reason, we strongly recommend contacting your health fund provider. Also, carefully examine your policy for a more comprehensive understanding of what is covered.

Teeth fillings are a common method for addressing tooth decay, but there are other approaches depending on the patient’s condition and personal choices:

• Dental Crowns:
  A crown is a cap that encases the entire tooth. Suitable for teeth with significant decay or damage, crowns envelop the entire tooth and offer superior strength than fillings. They restore a tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.
• Inlays and Onlays:
  An inlay fits within the cusps of a tooth. On the other hand, onlay covers one or more cusps or the entire biting surface. They are used when the damage is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough to require a crown.
• Dental Veneers:
  Veneers are thin shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They are used for cosmetic purposes, such as improving the appearance of discoloured, chipped, or misaligned teeth and closing small gaps.
• Root Canal Procedure:
  This treatment is recommended when decay reaches the tooth’s pulp. It involves removing the infected pulp, sealing, and often crowning the tooth.
• Tooth Extraction:
  Tooth removal is considered when a tooth can no longer be restored or saved by any treatment. This is usually followed by a tooth replacement procedure like dental implants or bridges.

These alternatives provide various ways to restore and improve dental health, and they are suited to specific dental needs. Your dentist can help determine which treatment approach is indicated for you. 

Yes, replacing old fillings for teeth with tooth-coloured fillings is a common procedure. Many people choose tooth-coloured or composite fillings for their aesthetic appeal. They also have concerns about materials in older fillings, like amalgam, which contains mercury. Here are some factors to consider:

When to Consider Replacement:

• Aesthetic Concerns:
  If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your old metal fillings, tooth-coloured fillings offer a more natural look.
• Wear and Tear:
  Over time, old fillings can wear down, crack, or become loose, requiring replacement.
• Material Sensitivity:
  If you have sensitivity to or reservations about the materials used in your current fillings, you may opt for tooth-coloured fillings made from biocompatible composite resin.

Procedure Overview:

• Initial Consultation:
  A thorough dental examination is conducted to assess the condition of your existing fillings and teeth.
• Removal of Old Filling:
  The dentist will carefully remove the old filling and any decayed tooth structure.
• Placement of New Filling:
  The composite material is placed in layers and hardened with a special light. The filling is then shaped and polished to fit your bite.
• Follow-up:
  Regular dental check-ups are advised to monitor the condition of the new filling.

While composite fillings have significantly improved durability, they may not last as long as other materials like amalgam, especially in molars where there is heavy chewing action.