Dental Fillings

Dental Fillings in Chatswood
Dental Fillings in Chatswood are one of the most effective and common treatments used to repair cavities, restore damaged teeth, and prevent further decay. When tooth decay is detected early, fillings help stop it from progressing deeper into the tooth, protecting your natural tooth structure and supporting long-term oral health.
Dental fillings are typically recommended when decay or minor damage affects the outer layers of a tooth but has not yet reached the nerve. Early intervention allows the tooth to be preserved and reduces the likelihood of more complex dental treatment later.
Our dentists in Chatswood provide high-quality fillings using durable, modern materials designed to blend beautifully with your smile. Whether you need a small cavity repaired or treatment for a weakened tooth, our team ensures a comfortable and precise experience from start to finish.
Treatment recommendations are based on clinical findings, X-rays, and individual risk factors, ensuring fillings are placed only when necessary and appropriate for long-term oral health.
What Are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is a restorative treatment used to rebuild the part of a tooth damaged by decay or minor fractures. Once the decayed portion is removed, the area is cleaned thoroughly and filled to restore strength and normal function.
In simple terms, a dental filling replaces lost tooth structure and seals the area to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth. This helps restore normal chewing function and protects the tooth from further breakdown.
Fillings are essential because untreated cavities can lead to:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain when biting
- Deep decay reaching the nerve
- Infection or abscess
- Tooth loss
Early treatment helps prevent more complex procedures such as root canals or crowns.
Many cavities do not cause pain in the early stages, which is why routine dental examinations play a key role in detecting decay before symptoms develop.
Types of Dental Fillings We Offer
At our Chatswood dental clinic, we provide several filling materials to suit your needs:
Composite Resin (White Fillings)
A popular choice for a natural look. Composite fillings match the colour of your teeth, making them ideal for visible areas like front teeth. They bond directly to the tooth, providing strength and support.
Composite fillings are commonly used for small to moderate cavities and allow for a more conservative approach, as less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed.
Porcelain (Ceramic) Fillings
Highly durable, stain-resistant, and aesthetically superior. Porcelain fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and are often used for larger restorations.
Porcelain fillings are custom-made and may be recommended when additional strength or long-term durability is required.
Amalgam Fillings
A traditional silver filling material known for its durability. While less common today due to aesthetic preferences, amalgam remains a reliable choice for certain situations.
Amalgam fillings are typically considered for areas of the mouth that experience heavy chewing forces, particularly when aesthetics are not a primary concern.
Each material has unique benefits, and your dentist will help you choose the most suitable option based on your tooth’s condition, location, and long-term goals.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
- Dental fillings play a crucial role in preserving your oral health. They help:
- Treat current tooth decay and prevent it from worsening
- Strengthen weakened teeth
- Restore normal chewing and biting function
- Maintain your natural tooth structure
- Improve the appearance of your smile
- Provide long-term durability (10–20+ years depending on the material)
- Fillings offer reliable protection and help reduce the risk of more invasive treatments in the future.
- From a preventive care perspective, dental fillings help stabilise the tooth and reduce the risk of cracks, fractures, or infection that can develop if decay is left untreated.
Our Dental Filling Process in Chatswood
Every treatment begins with a gentle and thorough examination to assess the extent of decay. The process typically includes:
- Local anesthesia (if needed) to ensure your comfort
- Removal of decayed tooth structure
- Cleaning and disinfecting the cavity
- Placement of the chosen filling material
- Shaping, polishing, and bite adjustments to create a seamless fit
Our team uses modern techniques and materials to provide durable, natural-looking restorations that support long-term oral health.
Most dental fillings are completed in a single appointment, and patients can usually return to normal activities shortly after treatment.
How to Care for Your Dental Fillings
To ensure your fillings last as long as possible, we recommend:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to prevent decay around the edges
- Reducing sugary snacks and drinks
- Avoiding biting hard objects like ice or pens
- Scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleans
With proper care, your fillings can last many years and continue to protect your teeth effectively.
While fillings are durable, the surrounding tooth structure and gums still require ongoing care. Regular dental reviews help detect early wear, marginal leakage, or new decay around existing fillings.
Your Sunrise Dental Chatswood Principal Dentist
Dr William Yiu
Dr William Yiu graduated with degrees in Bachelor of Medical Science from UNSW and Doctor of Dental Surgery from Melbourne University, and most recently Graduate Diploma of Dental Implantology. He is fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese.
His vision is to provide cost effective, comprehensive and individualised dental treatment for his patients. With his caring and gentle nature, he treats everyone to the highest of standards. He is readily able to connect with new patients from different ethnic backgrounds. He has worked as a dental officer at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the first university affiliated hospital and has gained extensive experience in oral surgery – this includes the removal of wisdom teeth and implant placement therapy.
General FAQs
Dental fillings are restorative treatments that repair damaged or decayed teeth. The dentist removes the compromised tooth material and fills the space with a durable substance. Fillings help restore tooth function, prevent further decay, and maintain overall oral health.
The most common dental fillings are composite (tooth-colored resin), amalgam (silver-colored), gold, ceramic, and glass ionomer. The best option depends on factors like the location of the tooth, aesthetic preferences, durability, and cost.
Dental fillings can last 5 to 30 years, depending on the material used and your oral hygiene habits. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings usually last 5–10 years, amalgam (silver) 10–15 years, gold and ceramic 15–20+ years, and glass ionomer fillings around 3–5 years.
No, dental fillings are usually not painful because the area is numbed with local anesthesia. You may feel pressure or vibration, but not pain. Mild sensitivity or discomfort can occur for a short time after the anesthesia wears off, but it typically subsides within a week or two.
After a filling, avoid hard, sticky, and very hot or cold foods to prevent damage. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing daily. Avoid chewing on the numb side until the anesthesia wears off. If you experience persistent sensitivity, contact your dentist for a follow-up.
