Dental decay (cavities) is a severe problem that affects the majority of people. It may become a severe hazard to your oral hygiene and bring you a lot of discomfort if left untreated. Dental fillings might assist you in resolving this issue and achieving your ideal smile.
How To Know If You Need A Filling?
After you book an appointment with your dentist, they will do an oral examination where they will take a number of x-rays and photographs. This examination helps to diagnose the problem and provide a clear picture to your dentist, who will then explain their findings and select the correct course of treatment specific to your case.
Naenae Dental Recommends White Fillings
When cavities arise, they must be cleaned and the tooth filled to prevent more serious issues and tooth loss. We use the latest composite fillings (white fillings), that are coloured to match your tooth. Gone are the days of silver mercury fillings as white fillings have improved incredibly over the years. Dental fillings are completed in a single visit and completed by our experienced Wellington Dentists. Once your tooth is completely free of decay, the dentist will restore the tooth to normal. Dental fillings work by closing off spaces where bacteria can enter, fillings help restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function and can prevent further tooth decay in the future.
If decay or a fracture has damaged a large portion of the tooth, a dental crown, or cap, may be recommended. In this instance we could use a glass ionomer filling, which is another tooth coloured material that can be used to restore your teeth. It is typically used as a temporary filling or as a foundation underneath fillings made of composite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Naenae Dental Clinic offers composite (tooth-coloured) fillings only. These blend in with your natural tooth colour for a natural-looking result. We do not offer amalgam (silver metal) fillings. Your dentist will assess your tooth and recommend the most suitable treatment based on its condition and the size and location of the repair needed.
The lifespan of a filling depends on several factors, including the material used, the size of the filling, and how well you look after your oral hygiene, diet and habits. Our Lower Hutt team can advise you on expected wear and let you know when a review may be needed.
Untreated decay can continue to spread deeper into the tooth, potentially reaching the nerve and requiring more involved treatment such as a root canal or, in some cases, extraction. Getting it assessed early at our Naenae Dental Clinic in Lower Hutt clinic generally means simpler, more predictable treatment options.
Your visit typically includes numbing the area, removing decayed tissue, and placing the filling material, followed by a bite check to ensure comfort.
Yes, our team regularly assesses existing fillings for wear, cracking, or leakage during check-ups and can replace them where needed as part of routine care in Lower Hutt.
Sensitivity, visible dark spots, or discomfort while chewing can indicate decay. However, some decay isn’t visible or painful, which is why regular check-ups at our Lower Hutt clinic matter.
If decay has spread extensively or reached the tooth’s nerve, a filling alone may not be enough to restore the tooth, and your dentist may discuss alternatives such as a crown or root canal treatment. This is assessed case-by-case during examination.
Naenae Dental Clinic provides tooth-coloured composite, amalgam, and glass ionomer fillings for patients in Lower Hutt. Your dentist will discuss which option may suit your tooth’s location and the extent of damage.
The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used, its size, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene. Our Lower Hutt team can advise on expected wear and when a review may be needed.
Fillings can occasionally loosen or dislodge, especially older ones or those under heavy bite pressure. If this happens, contact Naenae Dental Clinic promptly, as leaving the tooth unfilled can allow bacteria to reach the inner tooth and increase the risk of further damage.
Children’s fillings, particularly on baby teeth, often use materials suited to shorter-term needs since baby teeth are eventually replaced. Our Lower Hutt clinic can advise on the most suitable approach for younger patients during a check-up.
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Monday: 9am – 7pm
Tuesday: 9am – 7pm
Wednesday: 9am – 5pm
Thursday: 9am – 7pm
Friday: 9am – 7pm
Saturday: 9am – 4pm
Sunday: 9am – 4pm