Protect and Restore With Modern Dental Fillings

Tooth decay, cracks, or chips can weaken teeth and affect both comfort and appearance. If not managed, these issues may worsen over time and require more complex dental care.

Tooth fillings in Joondalup may help restore function and improve appearance. Our dentists provide composite resin fillings, commonly chosen for their strength and ability to blend with natural teeth. Outcomes vary, and your dentist will recommend suitable options.

Why Choose Crown Holistic Dental for General Dentistry

Strong oral health begins with proper everyday care. Here’s why patients choose us for dental treatments that supports smiles through every stage of life.

Preventive Care for Oral Health

Prevention is central to general dentistry. Through check-ups, cleans, and early identification of concerns, we aim to support patients in maintaining their teeth and gums. This proactive approach is intended to support early management of issues and may help reduce the likelihood of complex treatment needs.

We explain oral health findings and treatment options in clear terms, outlining the reasons behind recommendations. This supports informed decision-making that reflects individual needs and promotes transparency. Our guidance is aligned with recognised dental practices and focuses on providing patients with information they can use to make educated choices.

Seeing the same team supports continuity of care. We keep detailed records, track changes over time, and adapt treatments where needed. This consistency supports care that is tailored over time, based on an understanding of each patient’s dental history.

We provide treatment in a welcoming, professional setting, with clear communication and patient-focused care. Appointments are paced appropriately, and techniques are applied with consideration for patient experience and wellbeing. Our approach is to support oral health responsibly while delivering recognised general dentistry services for a wide range of needs.

Is a Tooth Filling Right for You?

Benefits of Restoring Teeth With Fillings

Book A Visit to Protect Your Oral Health

General dentistry focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy at every stage of life. Schedule a visit today and take the next step towards maintaining a confident smile and long-term oral wellness.

A Quick Overview of The Filling Process

If you’re receiving a dental filling, understanding the process can help. At our Joondalup clinic, we follow a clinically guided approach to help manage teeth affected by tooth decay.

1

Examination and Diagnosis

Your dentist will examine the tooth and may take X-rays to assess the extent of decay. If suitable, they may recommend composite fillings in Joondalup to help manage the area and will explain each step clearly so you understand the procedure before it begins.

2

Tooth Preparation

A local anaesthetic is often used to support your comfort; your dentist will discuss options with you before the procedure. Your dentist carefully clears away decayed areas and cleans the space. This preparation step helps create a strong bond between the material and tooth, which may allow a conservative approach when clinically appropriate.

3

Placing the Filling

Composite fillings in Joondalup involve applying tooth-coloured resins in layers, each hardened with a curing light. This method is designed to support bonding, shape, and blending with surrounding teeth, aiming for a discreet restoration. Outcomes vary, and results depend on individual circumstances.

4

Shaping and Polishing

AAfter the filling sets, your dentist adjusts the shape to match your bite and tooth contours. Final refinements are made, and the surface is polished to provide a smooth finish and a natural look. Results vary; your dentist will explain likely outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore common questions and helpful answers about tooth fillings in Joondalup, from materials used to procedure expectations and care.

How long do tooth fillings usually last?

The lifespan of a tooth filling depends on several factors, including the type of material used, oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and conditions such as teeth clenching. While fillings are not permanent, with good care, many may last several years. Longevity varies depending on material, oral hygiene, and individual habits.

Common lifespans, including

  • Composite resin fillings generally last between 5 and 10 years, depending on their placement and maintenance.
  • Porcelain or ceramic restorations can last 10 to 15 years or longer, especially when properly placed and well-maintained.

Fillings can wear out more quickly due to habits such as clenching your teeth (bruxism), a poor diet, or infrequent dental visits. Aftercare advice is provided to suit your individual circumstances, including lifestyle and oral health needs.

Tooth fillings don’t last forever. Over time, they can wear down, crack, or leak, potentially allowing bacteria to enter the tooth and cause further decay.

A filling requires review if signs such as sensitivity, discomfort, or visible wear develop. A dentist can confirm whether replacement is necessary.

  • Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods
  • Pain when biting or chewing could indicate a cracked filling or decay beneath it
  • Visible wear or damage, chipping, cracks, or dark lines around the edge of the filling
  • A loose feeling where the filling no longer feels securely bonded
  • Changes seen on X-rays, such as gaps or decay under the restoration

Even if you’re not experiencing discomfort, fillings should be checked regularly as part of your routine dental care. Our team utilises digital imaging and employs appropriate diagnostic methods to monitor restorations and determine whether intervention is necessary.

A local anaesthetic is commonly used during filling procedures to support comfort. Some people may experience mild sensitivity afterwards, usually temporary. Careful, minimally invasive techniques and local anaesthesia are commonly used to keep the experience as comfortable as possible. After the procedure, it’s normal to feel mild sensitivity or tenderness for a day or two. The sensation is usually temporary and can occur as the tooth adjusts, especially if the cavity was deep or near the nerve.

We use coloured composite and ceramic materials chosen for their strength and appearance. While individual responses vary, these materials are chosen for their compatibility with natural oral tissues.

Aftercare Tips:

  • Avoid chewing on the numb side until sensation returns
  • Consume soft foods for the first 24 hours
  • If sensitivity or discomfort persists beyond three to five days or worsens, it’s important to contact your dentist.

Ongoing support and early assessment help promote your comfort and long-term oral health. This approach reflects Crown Holistic Dental in Joondalup, where we focus on oral health as an important component of overall well-being.

Whether you can eat immediately after a filling depends on the material used and whether a local anaesthetic was given during the procedure.

Tooth-coloured materials, such as composite resins and ceramics, generally harden quickly, often before you leave the chair. Often, this means eating may be possible soon after the procedure. However, comfort and clinical advice should guide your decision.

Recommended Aftercare Tips:

  • Wait until numbness wears off (usually 1–2 hours) to avoid accidental biting
  • Start with soft foods that are easy to chew and appropriate for the restored tooth.
  • Avoid very hot or cold foods for the first 24 hours if there is any sensitivity.

If a ceramic inlay, onlay, or indirect restoration has been placed, your dentist may recommend waiting longer, depending on the setting process and bonding material used.

Composite fillings are tooth-coloured and blended with enamel. Amalgam is silver-grey and more visible. Your dentist will discuss suitable options.


Feature

Composite Fillings (Tooth-Coloured)

Used at Crown Holistic Dental

Amalgam Fillings (Metal-Based)

Not used at Crown Holistic Dental

Material

A resin blend with fine glass particles

An alloy of mercury, silver, tin, and copper

Appearance

Tooth-coloured; blends with enamel

Silver-grey; more visible when speaking or smiling

Procedure

Bonds directly to the tooth, often requiring less removal of healthy structure

Requires the removal of more tooth to secure the filling

Longevity

Usually lasts 5-10 years with good care

Often lasts 10–15 years or more

Biocompatibility

Metal-free and fluoride-free; often selected for its aesthetic and low-reactivity properties

Contains mercury; its use is discussed in holistic and biological dentistry

Common Use

Ideal for small to medium restorations, including visible areas

Traditionally used for large restorations in back molars due to its strength

Holistic Considerations

Supports minimally invasive procedures and natural aesthetics

Some patients request replacement of older amalgam fillings for personal health or cosmetic reasons

The lifespan of a filling depends on the material, your oral hygiene, and daily habits. Composite resin fillings generally last 5 to 10 years, while ceramic or porcelain restorations may last 10 to 15 years or more when well cared for.

Fillings may require review if cracks, wear, or decay are detected. Your dentist can advise whether replacement is needed. Symptoms such as chewing sensitivity, general discomfort, or changes noted during a dental exam may suggest the need for review or replacement.

Regular dental checkups are essential for monitoring existing fillings and maintaining long-term oral health. A conservative, preventive approach helps preserve natural tooth structure and reduces the need for more complex procedures.

A cavity may begin as a small area of decay without symptoms, but if not addressed, it can gradually worsen and affect deeper layers of the tooth.

In the early stages, decay damages the enamel. If ignored, it can reach the dentine and eventually the pulp, where the nerve and blood supply are located. If decay reaches the nerve, further procedures such as root canal therapy or extraction may be required.

Once decay reaches the nerve, infection can develop, often requiring a more invasive procedure such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction. In some cases, unresolved oral infections can also impact general health.

Early intervention enables simpler, more conservative care, often preventing discomfort and eliminating the need for complex procedures. Regular checkups and precise diagnostics help detect issues early, supporting both oral and overall well-being.

A filling appointment is generally careful, focused on preserving healthy tooth structure, and guided by materials and techniques that support both oral and general well-being.

  • Assessment and diagnosis: The dentist begins with a thorough examination, often using digital imaging or diagnostic tools to evaluate the tooth and its surrounding structures.
  • Conservative preparation: If a procedure is needed, only the decayed portion of the tooth is eliminated, preserving as much natural enamel as possible.
  • Comfort-focused care: A local anaesthetic may be used, especially if the decay is deep or sensitivity is expected.
  • Filling placement: A biocompatible, fluoride-free, tooth-coloured material is applied and shaped to restore function and appearance.
  • Final shaping and polishing: The filling is adjusted to promote a comfortable bite and a natural look.
  • Personalised aftercare: Before you leave, you will receive tailored advice to support your healing, manage sensitivity, and reduce the risk of future decay through holistic strategies.

This approach supports long-term oral health while aligning with a minimally invasive, health-conscious philosophy.

In most cases, Medicare does not cover the cost of dental fillings for adults. General dentistry services, such as checkups, restorations, and preventive care, are generally excluded from standard Medicare benefits unless they qualify for specific government-funded programmes.

Children may be eligible for financial support under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), a Medicare initiative that provides basic dental services, including fillings, for patients aged 0 to 17. Eligibility usually depends on the family receiving certain government payments, such as Family Tax Benefit A.

Adults often use private health funds with ancillary cover to help reduce the cost of dental care. The level of cover and reimbursements available will vary depending on your health fund provider and policy.

Dentists generally provide itemised quotes before the procedure, allowing patients to understand the expected costs and consider the available payment options. If the dentist uses biocompatible or ceramic materials, the cost may vary slightly from standard options. It’s recommended that you get a personalised plan before proceeding.

Some sensitivity or tenderness is normal in the first few days after a filling. It is usually a temporary reaction as the tooth adjusts to the new material and bite.

If pain persists or intensifies, it may be due to a high filling, inflammation in the nerve caused by deep decay, or an issue such as a crack or secondary decay in the nearby area. Symptoms such as pressure when chewing, sharp pain, or lingering discomfort should prompt a dentist to assess the issue.

Most cases can be addressed quickly with a small adjustment or follow-up procedure. Seeking timely care helps prevent further irritation and supports a smooth recovery.

At Crown Holistic Dental, we provide composite fillings for Joondalup patients, offering fluoride-free, biocompatible care designed to support whole-body health and preserve your natural tooth structure.

  • Composite Resin Fillings: These tooth-coloured, BPA-free fillings bond directly to your teeth and are ideal for small to medium cavities. They’re colour-matched for a natural look, and they are suitable for both front and back teeth. Because they require minimal removal of healthy enamel, they support a more conservative approach to care.
  • Porcelain or Ceramic Inlays/Onlays: For larger or deeper restorations, we may recommend ceramic inlays or onlays. These are custom-made to fit your tooth precisely and are crafted from strong, long-lasting porcelain. Ceramic is highly biocompatible and offers aesthetics, blending naturally with your smile while providing enhanced durability and strength.

We do not provide amalgam fillings. Our practice offers alternative materials such as composite and ceramic. When we replace old amalgam fillings, we follow strict clinical protocols designed to minimise mercury exposure.

At Crown Holistic Dental in Joondalup, your tooth fillings are approached with more than just structural restoration in mind—they’re part of a broader focus on whole-body well-being. Our approach to tooth decay restoration considers not only the procedure itself but also its underlying cause, using materials that are biocompatible with your body and support long-term health.

We use fluoride-free, biocompatible materials that are free from metals, BPA, and mercury. These restorations are designed to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible while blending naturally with your smile.

Advanced diagnostics help us detect decay early, so we can intervene conservatively, minimising the need for extensive procedures. If you have older amalgam fillings, we also offer careful removal, and we follow strict protocols when replacing them to minimise risks and support the patient.

Each procedure is guided by a minimally invasive, health-conscious philosophy that supports your natural healing processes and reduces unnecessary toxins.

Book A Consultation to Discuss Your Oral Health Needs

Ready to explore holistic dental care? Book a personalised consultation with a holistic dentist in Joondalup and start prioritising your oral health, personal comfort, and long-term well-being. 

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Results, risks, complications, and recovery time vary significantly between individuals.