Dental Fillings Brentwood

A good brushing and flossing routine are a must to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

With regular dentist check-ups and cleans, your dentist can keep a close eye any areas that are at risk of tooth decay.

If the need for a dental filling arises, there’s no need to panic. Our dentists will do everything possible to make you feel comfortable and take you through the repair process.

Tooth decay is often accompanied by discomfort. Common signs of tooth decay include:

• Sensitivity when you eat cold or sugary food
• Pain when you bite down
• A hole that you can see or feel with your tongue
• Black, brown, or white staining on a tooth

Early stages of tooth decay are often only diagnosed by your dentist, which makes regular check-ups even more important. 

As tooth decay progresses, it forms what is known as a cavity. As the name suggests, a cavity is a tiny hole in the surface of your tooth. If the hole is allowed to progress untreated, the internal structure of the tooth can be compromised and lead to irreversible damage. 

The most common form of treatment for tooth cavity, is a dental filling. Your dentist will clean the cavity and protect the area with a material to protect the tooth. 

If your dentist discovers tooth decay, they may require a second appointment to have the actual repair work done. 

Your comfort is our priority at Blue Gum Dental.

If required, your dentist will provide you with an anaesthetic to numb the tooth and gums in the area. 

For individuals that have sensitive teeth and gums, your dentist may numb the area with a topical solution to further increase comfort. Many patients don’t feel any pain at all. 

Once you are comfortable, your dentist will begin treating the tooth decay, and repairing the tooth.  

Your dentist looks at the size and location of decay, whether it’s through the enamel, your symptoms, and your cavity risk. Very early enamel changes may be monitored with hygiene and fluoride; deeper decay usually needs a filling to prevent progression.

After confirming the area, your dentist numbs the tooth (if needed), removes decay, disinfects the cavity, and places a tooth-coloured material in layers before shaping and polishing it. They’ll check your bite so it feels natural when you leave.

You shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure once numb. Some short-term sensitivity to cold or pressure is common for a few days to a couple of weeks, especially with deeper fillings. If discomfort lingers or worsens, contact the clinic for a review.

Longevity depends on the filling size, where it sits (front vs back teeth), your bite/clenching habits, diet, and home care. Good brushing, interdental cleaning, and regular check-ups can help fillings last longer.

Minor chips can sometimes be smoothed or patched; larger defects are usually best replaced to restore a proper seal and strength. Your dentist will advise the most conservative option after assessment.

Avoid chewing on the numb side until sensation returns. For the first 24 hours, be gentle on very hard or sticky foods. Ongoing: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, and attend routine exams so your dentist can monitor the margins and surrounding gums.