Why put up with unsightly amalgam tooth fillings?
Years ago, we were all given mercury amalgam fillings which would pepper our smiles with bits of black metal or gold. But times have changed. If you need a filling or need to improve the shape, colour or size of your tooth, we use white resin fillings for a more aesthetically pleasing result.
Mills Road Dental, in Gosnells/Martin is an amalgam-free clinic. We prefer white fillings because they are mercury -free and look like part of a normal tooth. Also, the composite materials are far stronger than those used previously, so you can expect your filling to last longer.
This dental information has been medically reviewed by Australian dental surgeon Dr Aran Moorthy, BDS. Dr Moorthy obtained his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Adelaide. Read more about Dr Moorthy here >
How long does a tooth filling take?
Most dental filling procedures are quick and painless, taking less than an hour.
Tooth-coloured resin will be used and built up on your tooth layer at a time, with each layer being hardened by a special blue light.
When the dentist is finished, they will shape and polish the filling to make sure it fits smoothly in your mouth.
As with the rest of your teeth, you’ll need to maintain regular dental checkups to ensure that your filling is adhering correctly.
Also, your filling will stain just as your normal teeth will, through regular use of coffee, tea and red wine, so at your dental appointment, your dentist can remove any stains to keep your teeth looking whiter for a brighter smile!
How much does a tooth filling cost?
The cost of a tooth filling depends on where the filling is, how deep the cavity is and the material used.
- Composite resin fillings (item numbers 521 – 535) range from $257 – $525, depending on location and size of the filling and generally take 30-45 mins.
- Porcelain fillings (item numbers 551 – 555), range from$1039 – $1906 depending on size and location. They taken approx 90 mins-120 mins.
- Replacement fillings cost the same as a new filling. Composite resin will last approx 3-5 yrs and porcelain 10-15 yrs.
If you have private health insurance, you may get money back for your tooth filling. Check with your provider. Once we’ve given you a quote, you can find out the exact out-of-pocket expense. Alternatively, if you’re in the clinic with us, we can swipe your card and find out all the details on the spot.
White tooth filling/composite resin is used many ways:
- hard tissue: decay removal
- inlays
- onlays
- cosmetic fillings
Existing mercury amalgam fillings
Mercury amalgam fillings contain approximately 50% mercury, which although has been deemed safe by the Australian Dental Association, can leak tiny amounts of mercury every day. However, patients are exposed to the highest amount of mercury when the fillings are either placed or removed, which is why we don’t advocate the replacement of amalgam fillings unless one breaks or cracks.
If your mercury filling does need to be replaced, we’ll use several procedures to ensure that all the mercury is safely removed and not absorbed by your body. Then we can replace the filling with a new composite resin filling, which will not only be mercury free but look a lot nicer, too.
If you’re concerned about your amalgam fillings, talk to one of our dentists today.