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    Fighting Damage & Decay With High-Quality Dental Fillings in Melbourne

    Dental fillings are one of the most common treatment methods available to fight tooth decay and damage, and most adults will require a filling or two at some point. Learn more about how this simple, fast procedure can help to keep your oral health on track.

    3D illustration of a dental filling placed in a molar, showing how a cavity is restored after tooth decay.

    What Are Dental Fillings?

    Dental fillings are a safe, simple way to fight tooth decay - and one of the most common treatments we offer here at Mulgrave Dental Group.

    Fillings are used to treat decay and cavities (small holes or cracks) in your teeth, restoring function, reducing pain or sensitivity, and safeguarding against further deterioration. Unlike crowns or veneers, which sit over the top of a tooth, fillings are placed inside the crack, essentially ‘filling’ it to protect it from harm.

    For your long-term well-being, it’s vital that, if you notice any signs of decay in your mouth, you speak with our team as soon as possible. These issues can become worse if left over time, so the sooner we act the sooner you can get you back on track with your oral health. Getting a dental filling is generally relaxed and painless, able to be done in one quick appointment.

    Dr. Diluni in a consultation with a Mulgrave Dental Group patient.

    Our Dental Filling Process

    At Mulgrave Dental Group, we aim to make your dental filling experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you know what to expect and addressing any questions or concerns. Here’s a quick overview of our dental filling process to help you feel prepared.

    Getting a dental filling starts with a simple consultation and examination. Here, our team will evaluate the affected tooth, discuss your symptoms and recommend the ideal filling type based on your individual requirements.

    At Mulgrave Dental, we’ll always prioritise your comfort. To prepare for your filling, we’ll administer local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring a pain-free and relaxed procedure.

    We also have a range of options available to help those with severe anxiety, including sleep dentistry, so you’ll have nothing to worry about at your appointment.

    Now that you’re relaxed and ready for your treatment, we’ll carefully clean out any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth and begin placing the filling itself.

    From here we can layer and shape the filling to match your tooth’s natural contours, maximising comfort and functionality.

    Your dentist will employ modern dental technology to bond the filling to your tooth and cure it, giving it the strength to last. The filling will then be shaped and polished further to make final adjustments. Done!

    Benefits of Dental Fillings

    Dental fillings are a relatively small investment compared to other restorative dentistry treatments, making them a common and cost-effective investment in a healthier, more brilliant smile. They are a dependable solution, able to be placed with quite a quick procedure and without any serious discomfort or post-procedure pain.

    1

    Restored Functionality

    Dental fillings are carefully crafted to replicate the natural look and feel of your teeth, helping them to blend in both visually (depending on the material used), and functionally. They should help stop any pain and sensitivity from decay or cavities, allowing you to chew, speak and enjoy life normally.
    2

    Preventive Measures

    Beyond their role in functional restoration, dental fillings are also a means of good preventative care. They create a protective barrier against the further progression of decay, helping to halt any further damage before it has a chance to spread.
    3

    Enhanced Aesthetics

    Tooth fillings don’t have to be obvious. If appearance is a concern of yours, modern composite and ceramic materials can be colour-matched to your natural teeth, making them almost invisible to anyone but your dentist.

    Types of Dental Fillings

    You have a few options when it comes to your dental filling materials, giving you a chance to pick the quality, functionality and aesthetics that suit your unique needs. So what are your choices and how do they work?

    Close up of silver amalgam fillings on a dental tooth model.

    Amalgam Fillings

    Made from metals like silver and mercury, amalgam fillings were once popular for their durability. At MDG, we now recommend tooth-coloured composite restorations instead - a safer, mercury-free option that looks more natural and preserves more of your tooth.

    Close up before and after image of a composite filling.

    Composite Fillings

    Composite fillings are a more modern option, and getting more advanced each year. They’re crafted from resin and glass, or ceramic particles, so that they can be matched to your natural teeth.

    3D illustration of a ceramic fillings.

    Ceramic Fillings (Inlays/Onlays)

    Ceramic fillings are fashioned from high-quality dental ceramics and crafted in a dental laboratory before being bonded to your tooth. They’re known for their exceptional, natural appearance, and are highly durable.

    3D illlustration of a gold filling.

    Gold Fillings

    Gold fillings are crafted from a mix of gold, copper and other metals, giving them a golden hue. They’re celebrated for their remarkable durability and extended lifespan, and can be placed very easily compared to other filling types.

    What Do Dental Fillings Cost?

    The cost of dental fillings in Australia can vary depending on a few factors, such as the type of fillings chosen, the location of the tooth requiring a filling and any other complexities in the case. During your initial consultation, our friendly restorative dentistry team will provide you with a detailed estimate of the cost based on your specific treatment needs.

    Financing Options for Dental Fillings Treatment

    We accept a variety of payment methods for dental fillings and offer a number of interest-free payment plans to help make it easy to invest in your oral wellbeing.

    We offer a variety of flexible payment plans for getting dental fillings. Here you can spread out the cost of your treatment, paying in simple, manageable monthly instalments. We offer both zero- and low-interest options, depending on your budget.

    Financing programs are also available at Mulgrave Dental Group, allowing you to finance the cost of dental fillings through reputable third-party financing companies. These programs often provide competitive rates and flexible repayment terms, simplifying the management of your treatment costs.

    Dental insurance plans sometimes cover dental treatment, including getting fillings. If you’re not sure what your insurance will cover, chat with us during your appointment and we’ll help walk you through it.

    Dental Filling FAQs

    We know you might have a lot of questions about your upcoming dental appointment, which is why we’ve tried to answer some of the most common below to help you understand what getting a dental filling would look like for you.

    Cavities are holes or cracks in a tooth caused by decay which can get worse over time - causing more damage. Fillings help to address cavities and prevent further damage by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and placing a protective material inside, which seals it. This process restores the tooth’s functionality and stops the cavity from growing worse.

    You might need a dental filling if you experience:

    • Frequent tooth sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods/drinks.
    • Pain, discomfort or aching in a tooth.
    • Dark spots, holes or pits on a tooth's surface.
    • Rough or uneven tooth surfaces.
    • Sensitivity when biting down or applying pressure.
    • Food frequently getting stuck in a certain tooth.
    If you notice these signs, consider visiting our Mulgrave clinic for an assessment. Early detection is key to preventing further, more costly issues. This is especially true if you’re experiencing these symptoms and you haven’t visited the dentist for a check-up in a while.

    No, dental filling procedures are generally not painful. This is a very minor procedure that most adults will go through once or twice in their life.

    Before you get your filling, our dentists will administer local anaesthetic to numb the area, minimising any pain you might feel during the preparation of your tooth. Some patients may experience slight discomfort or sensitivity after the anaesthesia wears off, but this is usually temporary.

    If you’re still worried, talk to us about our sleep dentistry and other anti-anxiety measures. We’ll take whatever steps are necessary to help you through your dental treatment and ensure you can get the best care possible for your oral health.

    Dental fillings are made to last. Their lifespan can vary based on a few factors, such as the type of filling material used, your oral hygiene practices and the location of the filling. On average, we expect amalgam fillings to last around 10-15 years, while composite and ceramic fillings can last around 5-10 years.

    To improve the longevity of your fillings it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene, schedule regular dental check-ups and promptly address any issues that arise. That way we can monitor the condition of your fillings during your visits and recommend replacements if needed.

    Absolutely, you can typically eat and drink normally after getting a dental filling. That said, we recommend that you wait until the local anaesthesia wears off completely to avoid accidentally biting yourself!

    Additionally, if your dentist used a composite filling, which can take a short time to harden completely, you may be advised to avoid eating hard or sticky foods for a few hours.

    One of the best ways to look after your fillings and increase their longevity is to maintain good oral hygiene practices. We’ll give you all the tips you need to know during your appointment.

    Broadly speaking, if something is good for your natural teeth, it’s probably good for your fillings too. That means brushing and flossing twice daily, moderating your sugar and acid intake, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding grinding your teeth (if you can’t stop this at night, talk to us about treatment for
    bruxism).

    Immediately after your appointment, things might feel a little bit different - but this feeling will usually go away quickly as your mouth adjusts.

    It’s normal to experience a slight adjustment period in your bite as your mouth adapts to a new filling. While your dentist will do what they can to customise your fillings to the natural contours of your teeth, some tiny changes may occur and it’s possible you’ll feel them.

    If this discomfort persists, notify us as soon as possible - we can make further adjustments and address any concerns.

    Exterior image of Mulgrave Dental Group clinic, Melbourne dentist.

    Our clinic hours:

    • Mon: 9 am - 6 pm
    • Tue: 9 am - 7 pm
    • Wed: 9 am - 7 pm
    • Thu: 9 am - 7 pm
    • Fri: 9 am - 5 pm
    • Sat: Closed
    • Sun: Closed

    Any Questions?

    Don’t let uncertainty put you off getting the treatment you need. We’re here to help.

    At Mulgrave Dental Group, you’re our priority. We offer an array of modern dental services along with exceptional customer service in a warm, relaxed atmosphere. We have well over 50 years of collective experience, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need us.

    Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a happy, healthy smile.

    Our Reviews

    Thousands of happy patients have already visited Mulgrave Dental Group and come out raving about our high-quality service and friendly people.

    The team here are friendly, warm, and excellent at what they do. I've come to Mulgrave Dental Group for a lot of work over the years - extractions, fillings, and implants. I am very pleased with the service and care I received, and want to shout out how thoughtful the entire team is with giving follow up calls and advice for managing pain or any issues after each of my procedures.

    Dr Diluni and the team do amazing work, highly recommended.

    My experience at Mulgrave Dentist was absolutely extraordinary and like no other dental experience I had ever experienced in my life.

    Right from the very beginning, to the first phone call, through to my consultation and subsequent treatment, I was amazed at the care, state of the art technology used and the expert dentistry provided.

    I had a great experience with Mulgrave Dental Group. Dr. Diluni Perera is extremely skilled and responsible.

    She called me four days after my treatment to check on me. She is gentle, caring and considerate. I am very grateful to her. I recommend this practice. 

    I had an absolutely fantastic experience at Mulgrave Dental Group.

    The dentist made me feel safe and reassured me the whole time, also zero pain. The practice is very clean and welcoming. The receptionists are very caring and check up on you the following day. I’ve been to many many dentists over the years and this is by far the very best! Can not fault!

    I started going to Mulgrave Dental Group earlier in the year after reading their amazing reviews. It is the first time I have been really happy with a dentist. All staff are extremely friendly, warm and kind. The receptionists make you feel welcome as soon as you enter the door. Dr. Diluni and all the dental nurses I have seen have taken the time to explain everything thoroughly, and provide helpful treatment information. I used to dread going to the dentist and for the first time I can say I no longer do!

    I recently had the pleasure of visiting Mulgrave dental clinic, and I must say that it was an exceptional experience.

    From the moment I walked in, I felt a sense of warmth and friendliness from the entire staff. The receptionist greeted me with a genuine smile and made the check-in process a breeze.

    Early Care for a Stronger Smile

    Regular dental check-ups are key to the long-lasting health of your smile, and give your dentist a chance to see if you need any fillings early - before it’s a problem.

    Mulgrave Dental Group is dedicated to preventative care and personalised treatment. Contact us today to book your appointment and keep your smile healthy for the long run.

    How to Contact Us

    Mulgrave Dental Group is located only 20 minutes from Melbourne CBD, just off Wellington Road. Come visit our office at 47 Wanda Street, Mulgrave, 3170 Victoria.

    Get proactive about your oral health - book a check-up today

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