Dental Fillings in Townsville

What Are Dental Fillings?

A dental filling is a restorative material used to repair a tooth damaged by decay, fracture, or wear. Fillings restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and function while preventing further deterioration. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, dental caries affects approximately 90 per cent of Australian adults at some point in their lifetime, making fillings one of the most commonly performed dental procedures (AIHW, Oral Health and Dental Care in Australia, 2023).

At Townsville Dental Clinic, we use tooth-coloured composite resin and ceramic materials exclusively. These bond directly to the tooth structure, providing a natural appearance and preserving more healthy tooth compared to traditional amalgam fillings.

Types of Dental Fillings

Composite Resin Fillings (Direct)

Tooth-coloured composite resin is applied directly to the tooth in layers, shaped, and hardened with a curing light. This is the most common type of filling and is suitable for small to medium cavities in any tooth.

Ceramic Inlays and Onlays (Indirect)

Custom-fabricated porcelain or ceramic restorations made in a dental laboratory from precise impressions of your tooth. Inlays fit within the cusps of a tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps. They are stronger than composite for larger restorations and can last 15 to 20 years.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

A specialised material that releases fluoride, providing ongoing protection against decay. Commonly used for fillings in children’s teeth and for restorations near the gum line.

Composite vs Amalgam Fillings

The Australian Dental Association advises that both composite and amalgam fillings are clinically acceptable materials. Townsville Dental Clinic uses only composite and ceramic materials.

The Filling Process

1. Anaesthesia — the tooth and surrounding area are numbed
2. Decay removal — damaged tooth structure is carefully removed
3. Preparation — the cavity is cleaned and conditioned for bonding
4. Layered placement — composite resin is applied in thin layers, with each layer cured (hardened) using a special light
5. Shaping and polishing — the filling is shaped to match your natural bite and polished for a smooth finish

The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per filling.

When to Replace a Filling

See your dentist if you notice:

• Sensitivity or pain around an existing filling
• A rough or sharp edge on the filling
• Visible cracks in the filling or surrounding tooth
• Dark discolouration around the filling margin
• A filling that feels loose

Regular dental check-ups allow us to monitor the condition of your fillings and replace them before problems develop.

Related Services

• Restorative Dentistry
• Inlays & Onlays
• Preventive Dentistry

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