Tooth Fillings

If your teeth are chipped, cracked or damaged by tooth decay, they need fillings. Large cavities are obvious and often painful, but small pinhole cavities and hard-to-see areas between teeth may also need attention. Your dentist can find cavities and sites of tooth decay that you may not see in the mirror. X-rays, dental probes and dyes can reveal areas that need dental restoration. Your dentist can also see areas that you may not be able to spot, which is one reason why regular dental check-ups are vital for your oral health. Regular visits allow the dentist to see small problems before they become large ones.

Although cavities are the most common reason for fillings, they are not the only reason your dentist may recommend reconstructive work. If you grind your teeth, bite your nails or use your teeth as tools, you may erode the chewing surfaces enough to require a filling to restore a healthy bite. Signs that you may need a filling include:

No, the filling procedure is not painful. Anaesthetic is used by our dentist prior to the dental tooth filling being performed, ensuring no pain is felt. While sensations of pressure may be experienced during the procedure, this should not be painful.

After getting a dental filling, you may find that your tooth feels sensitive for a week or two. This sensitivity is completely normal and is due to the tooth adjusting to the new filling.