Sydney Smile Centre in Pagewood uses tooth-coloured composite resin fillings to restore teeth damaged by decay or fracture. These modern fillings match the natural appearance of your teeth and bond directly to the tooth structure for a strong, discreet repair. All health funds accepted via HICAPS. Call 02 9349 2387 to book.
Dental fillings are one of the most common dental treatments performed in Australia. If you have a cavity or a damaged tooth, a filling restores the tooth’s shape, function and strength — and modern tooth-coloured materials mean the repair is virtually invisible.
What Are Tooth-Coloured Fillings?
Tooth-coloured fillings use a composite resin material that is matched to the shade of your natural teeth. Unlike the silver amalgam fillings that were standard for decades, composite fillings blend in with your smile and do not contain mercury.
Advantages of tooth-coloured fillings include:
- Aesthetics: They match your natural tooth colour, making them ideal for visible teeth
- Conservation: Less natural tooth structure needs to be removed compared to amalgam fillings
- Bonding: Composite resin bonds directly to the tooth, providing additional structural support
- Versatility: Can be used for cavities, chips, cracks and worn teeth
- Mercury-free: For patients who prefer to avoid mercury-containing dental materials
When Do You Need a Filling?
Your dentist may recommend a filling if you have:
- A cavity (tooth decay): Bacteria have created a hole in the tooth enamel that needs to be cleaned and filled
- A chipped or cracked tooth: Minor damage that does not require a crown
- Worn teeth: From grinding (bruxism), nail-biting or erosion
- An old filling that needs replacing: Amalgam fillings wear out over time and can crack or leak
Many cavities develop without any symptoms. This is one reason regular dental check-ups at Sydney Smile Centre are important — your dentist can detect decay early with a visual examination and X-rays.
What Happens During a Filling Appointment?
A dental filling at Sydney Smile Centre typically takes 20 to 40 minutes per tooth:
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthetic numbs the tooth and surrounding area
- Decay removal: The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed
- Preparation: The tooth is cleaned and prepared for the filling material
- Layering: Composite resin is applied in thin layers, each hardened with a special curing light
- Shaping and polishing: The filling is shaped to match your natural bite and polished for a smooth finish
You can eat and drink normally once the anaesthetic wears off (usually within 2 to 4 hours).
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
The lifespan of a filling depends on its size, location and your oral habits:
- Composite resin fillings: Typically last 5 to 10 years, sometimes longer with good care
- Amalgam fillings: Can last 10 to 15 years but may crack or leak with age
Your dentist monitors the condition of your fillings at each check-up and will recommend replacement before a filling fails.
Replacing Old Amalgam Fillings
Many patients choose to replace old silver amalgam fillings with tooth-coloured composite for cosmetic reasons. If your amalgam filling is still intact and not causing problems, replacement is a personal choice. If the filling is worn, cracked or has decay around it, replacement is recommended regardless.
At Sydney Smile Centre, we follow safe removal protocols when replacing amalgam fillings, including high-volume suction and water cooling.
Dental Fillings at Sydney Smile Centre Pagewood
Our practice is at Shop 1, 16 Maroubra Road, Pagewood NSW 2035. We serve patients from Maroubra, Mascot, Botany, Kensington, Kingsford, Randwick, Coogee, Eastgardens and surrounding Eastern Suburbs. Free parking via Glanfield Street. Disabled access available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dental filling cost in Pagewood?
The cost of a dental filling depends on the size and location of the cavity. Small fillings are quite affordable and are partially covered by most private health insurance plans. Sydney Smile Centre processes claims instantly via HICAPS. Medicare CDBS covers fillings for eligible children.
Do tooth-coloured fillings stain?
Composite fillings can pick up some staining over many years from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking. Regular dental cleans and polishing help maintain their appearance. If significant staining develops, the filling can be polished or replaced.
Can I eat after getting a filling?
Composite fillings are fully set by the time you leave the practice. However, it is best to wait until the anaesthetic wears off (2 to 4 hours) before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
Is it normal for a new filling to be sensitive?
Mild sensitivity to hot, cold or pressure is common for a few days after a filling. This usually resolves on its own. If sensitivity persists beyond two weeks or worsens, contact Sydney Smile Centre on 02 9349 2387.
Should I replace my amalgam fillings with white fillings?
If your amalgam fillings are intact and not causing problems, replacement is a personal choice. If they are worn, cracked or have decay around them, replacement with tooth-coloured composite is recommended. Your dentist will advise based on the condition of each filling.
