Fillings

Pain-free cavity repair and restoration

If you have a hole or chip in your tooth, we can fill it without drilling

What are fillings?

Fillings are used to repair a tooth that is decayed or chipped. The filling replaces the damaged part of your tooth, restoring it to its original shape and function. The type of material used for the filling will depend on the damage to the tooth and how you’d like it to look. You may need a filling if your tooth has a visible hole, feels rough against your tongue, is sensitive to temperature or sugary foods, hurts, or has a feeling of pressure inside it. You might not have any symptoms of tooth decay until the problem is advanced, which is why it’s important to have your teeth examined regularly.

What do I need to know about fillings?

At Natural Smile, our fillings are painless due to the local anaesthetic we use, and some fillings are drill free. We use Air Abrasion technology to remove the decay completely, leaving as much of the healthy tooth structure intact as possible. The result is smaller, better sealed fillings that look nicer and last longer. Getting a filling will normally require two appointments – one to examine your teeth and assess how much work needs to be done, and a second to complete the filling. You don’t need to do anything special before your appointment, and you can carry on with your day normally afterwards. Because Air Abrasion is painless, you don’t usually need a local anaesthetic.

What other treatments are available?

Depending on your situation, some of the following treatment options might be recommended to transform your smile.

Featured
Air Abrasion
Air Abrasion

Drill-free, painless fillings that look better and last longer

Do you hate the sound of the dentist’s drill? Air abrasion removes tooth decay painlessly, with no drilling.

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An attractive woman smiles confidently, showing her healthy and strong teeth after a visit to dentist, Dr Dave Richards, of Natural Smile Dental St Heliers, Auckland.
The luxurious, clean, quality Natural Smile Dental clinic in St Heliers, Auckland provides dental and cosmetic services using advanced technology for a stress-free dentist visit.

Common questions about fillings

  • The cost of a filling varies depending on the amount of work required to repair your tooth. Some fillings can be quite large and therefore will take longer and cost more. We’ll let you know during your examination how much your fillings will cost.

  • No, it doesn’t hurt to get a filling. We ensure that any dental treatment you receive at Natural Smile is comfortable. Our minimally invasive Air Abrasion technology is pain free and does not use a drill. If you do experience any discomfort, you have the option of local anaesthetic to numb the area.

  • It’s not always possible to avoid the accidents that lead to chips in your teeth, but wearing a mouthguard when playing sports and being careful when chewing hard food will help. When it comes to tooth decay, you can help avoid it by brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding sugary foods, and having your teeth checked and professionally cleaned every six to twelve months.

  • Sometimes there are no signs at all. Tooth decay rarely hurts until it has progressed beneath the enamel of your tooth. Then you will begin to feel sensitivity and pain. Regular check-ups will help you catch the decay before it causes pain, and it will be much quicker and cheaper to fix in the early stages.

  • Modern fillings are usually made of a white resin and glass material that looks very similar to your natural teeth and is strong and durable. Known as white composite fillings, they last around five years and can help to bond weak teeth. You can choose to have fillings made of other materials like porcelain or gold – this is something we can discuss during your examination.

  • Usually, a filling will take between 30 – 60 minutes, depending on the extent of the damage and how much work needs to be done on your tooth.