Tooth fillings
restore a damaged tooth to its ideal shape and strength
Signs that you need a filling can include sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold food and drinks, an odd feeling when brushing or flossing, a visible hole, a broken filling and of course toothache. However small cavities may not cause any symptoms and will only be found with regular dental check-ups. Your dentist will recommend a filling to fix damaged teeth by removing decay and restoring with the most appropriate material.
Generally dentists use four types of fillings - amalgams, composite (white) fillings, gold and glass ionomer. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages which your dentist will discuss with you.
Amalgam fillings
Amalgam fillings are the most traditional of filling types and have been used in dentistry for more than 100 years. They are made from a combination of metals and are silver in colour. Because of their colour and their lower cost they are usually used for larger fillings but only in back teeth.
Composite (white) fillings
Composite (white) fillings are made from a synthetic material but can still last up to five years without needing work. Composite teeth fillings are now commonly used for front teeth as the filling can be closely matched to your natural tooth colour.
Our dentists can also assist you with broken fillings, by replacing all or part of the damaged filling with a new one.
We work hard to prioritise filings that are low-cost and affordable for everyone. Our professional tooth-filling service is available to families and individuals across the Wellington region, including North Wellington, Tawa, Newlands, Johnsonville, Lower Hutt, and Porirua.