Restorative Dentistry

Many cavities cause no symptoms at all in their early stages, which is why regular check-ups are important. When symptoms do appear, they can include food catching or packing between teeth, sensitivity to sweet or cold, a sharp edge you can feel with your tongue, or a visible discolouration within the tooth. If you have noticed any of these, it is worth coming in for a check.

The area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic before we begin, so the procedure itself should not be painful. Some patients feel pressure or vibration during the process, but not sharp discomfort. Mild sensitivity in the tooth for a day or two afterwards is normal and generally settles on its own.

The cost ranges from $200 to $450, depending on the size of the cavity and the complexity of the restoration. We provide a full cost estimate after your assessment, before any treatment is agreed to. If you have private health insurance with extras cover, part of the cost may be covered depending on your policy.

We will usually use tooth-coloured composite resin, which bonds directly to the tooth and blends naturally with your surrounding teeth. Unlike older silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure and are virtually invisible when you smile.

Composite fillings typically last last five to seven years with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, though this can vary depending on the size of the filling and where it sits in the mouth. We will monitor your fillings at each visit and let you know if any attention is needed.

Yes. Decay left untreated will continue to progress, eventually reaching the nerve of the tooth. At that point, a simple filling is no longer sufficient and more involved treatment such as a root canal or crown, may be needed. Treating a cavity early keeps things straightforward and more comfortable.

In most cases, yes. An X-ray allows us to see how deep the decay extends, which is not always visible from the surface. This helps us plan the right treatment and avoid any surprises during the procedure. We only take X-rays when there is a clinical reason to do so.