We have made it an art of changing broken and lost teeth grimaces, into self confidence building wonderful smiles. We find if you’re not happy with your teeth that you don’t want to smile in photos or are concerned to laugh out load. If this is you, we can look at using various techniques to rebuild your smile and happiness.
When a tooth has lost a bit of its size, shape or colour we can rebuilt it back to its natural form. Depending on your situation, we may use different types of dental restorations, such as a filling, veneer or a crown. Whichever is best suited to improve your oral health and meet your goals.
Led by Dr Kenneth Lee, our dentists at Today’s Dental utilise the most up-to-date techniques and cater the approach and techniques to each unique patient’s needs
What are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings, a common type of dental restoration, are used to restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function and shape. When you receive a filling, Dr. Kenneth Lee first removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. This material can be composite, amalgam, porcelain, or gold, each offering different benefits.
Why Might I Need a Dental Restoration?
Fillings are most commonly required due to cavities and tooth decay, which can occur even with good oral hygiene practices. Other reasons for dental restoration include repairing cracked or broken teeth or teeth that have been worn down from misuse such as nail-biting or tooth grinding.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a preventive treatment where a protective plastic coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants are different from fillings as they prevent decay, while fillings treat decay that has already occurred.
Dental Fillings and Sealants Procedure
The procedure for fillings involves removing decay, cleaning the affected area, and filling it. For sealants, the process is non-invasive: the teeth are cleaned and the sealant is painted on and hardened.
The Process of Getting Dental Fillings
- Initial Examination: The dentist examines the teeth to identify decay and discuss potential treatment options with the patient.
- Preparation: The area around the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.
- Decay Removal: Using specialized dental tools, the dentist removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth.
- Tooth Cleaning: The cavity is thoroughly cleaned to prepare for the filling.
- Filling Placement: The chosen filling material (composite, amalgam, porcelain, or gold) is placed into the cleaned cavity.
- Curing and Polishing: If the filling is composite, it is hardened with a special light and then the filling is shaped and polished to match the bite and contours of the tooth.
The Process of Getting Dental Sealants
- Teeth Cleaning: The teeth designated for sealants are cleaned thoroughly to remove plaque and food particles.
- Drying and Isolation: Each tooth is dried, and the surrounding area is isolated to keep it dry.
- Acid Etching: A mild acid solution is applied to the chewing surfaces to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the tooth.
- Rinsing and Drying: The acid is rinsed off, and the tooth is dried again.
- Sealant Application: The sealant material is carefully applied to the tooth’s surface where it fills the pits and grooves of the tooth.
- Curing: The sealant is hardened using a special curing light to bond it securely to the tooth.
- Evaluation: The dentist checks the sealant’s placement and sets, ensuring that the bite is not affected.
These steps ensure that both fillings and sealants are applied effectively, providing protection and restoration to improve dental health and prevent further decay.
Types of Dental Restorations
- Composite Restorations: Tooth-coloured and preferred for visible areas, but slightly more prone to stain than porcelain.
- Porcelain Restorations: Aesthetically pleasing and strong. More chip resistant than composite.
- Amalgam Restorations: These look “silver” but are durable and used for back teeth.
- Gold Restorations: Exceptionally durable for back teeth, but the most expensive.
At Today’s Dental, we primarily utilize tooth-colored fillings to ensure that our restorative treatments not only provide durability and protection but also maintain a natural, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Maintenance
Maintaining fillings and sealants is crucial. Regular check-ups, proper brushing, and avoiding hard food can extend their life.
Our dentists recommend non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the materials used in fillings and sealants. Regular dental visits not only help detect any problems early but also provide a chance for your dentist to professionally clean and polish the fillings and sealants, maintaining their integrity and appearance.
How Much do Dental Fillings Cost in Sydney?
At Today’s Dental, we understand that the cost of dental care is a significant consideration for our patients. The price of dental fillings at our Sydney clinic typically ranges from AUD $150 to $400 per tooth, depending on the type of material selected. We offer a variety of filling materials including composite and porcelain, each with its own benefits and associated costs.
For dental sealants, which are effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of back teeth, the cost per tooth generally falls between AUD $40 and $90. This cost can vary based on factors such as the patient’s age and the number of teeth being treated.
We strive to make dental care accessible and affordable for all of our patients by offering detailed consultations to discuss all available options and associated costs. Our team at Today’s Dental is committed to providing high-quality care and helping patients make informed decisions that fit their health needs and budget. We also provide various financing options to manage the costs of your dental treatments effectively.
| Treatment Type | Material Used | Cost Range (AUD) |
| Dental Fillings | Composite | $150 – $400 |
| Porcelain | $250 – $500 | |
| Dental Sealants | Protective Resin | $40 – $90 per tooth |
FAQs
- How long do dental fillings and sealants last?
Dental fillings can last between 5 to 15 years, while sealants typically protect teeth for 3 to 10 years, depending on the material used and oral hygiene practices. - Can dental sealants be applied to adult teeth?
Yes, dental sealants are beneficial for adults as well as children, providing an effective preventive measure against decay in the pits and fissures of back teeth. - How do I know if I need a filling or a sealant?
You may need a filling if you have tooth decay or damage, whereas sealants are used as a preventive measure to protect healthy teeth from developing cavities.
Dental fillings and sealants are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing future dental issues. Contact Today’s Dental to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kenneth Lee and ensure your teeth are protected and healthy.