General Dentistry
Tooth Fillings, Inlays & Onlays
Natural-looking restorations for damaged or decayed teeth.
General Dentistry
Catch decay early, keep it small
Tooth decay is easier to treat when found early. A small filling can remove decay, restore the tooth and help prevent the problem from becoming worse.
At Mount Druitt Dental, we provide tooth-coloured fillings, dental inlays and dental onlays for decayed, chipped, worn or damaged teeth. Our restorations are designed to protect your natural tooth while blending with your smile.
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Why Act Early
Treat tooth decay early
Tooth decay doesn't heal on its own. Once a cavity forms, it can spread deeper into the tooth — and delaying treatment may lead to toothache, infection, root canal treatment, a crown or extraction.
Many cavities cause no symptoms at first. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can identify decay before it becomes painful.
Your Options
Fillings, inlays and onlays
Tooth-coloured fillings
Composite fillings are made from a resin matched closely to the shade of your natural teeth. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, they don't leave a noticeable grey or metallic appearance.
The material is placed directly onto the tooth, shaped and hardened using a dental light. Your dentist then checks your bite and polishes the filling so it feels smooth and comfortable.
Dental inlays & onlays
Custom-made restorations for when a tooth is too damaged for a standard filling but may not need a full crown. An inlay repairs damage within the centre of the tooth, between the raised chewing points (cusps).
An onlay covers a larger area and may extend over one or more cusps, strengthening a tooth weakened by a large cavity, crack or failing restoration. They're commonly made from porcelain or another durable material for an accurate fit and natural look.
When It Helps
Signs you may need a filling
Arrange a dental assessment if you notice:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A visible hole or dark spot
- Food becoming trapped between teeth
- A chipped, cracked or loose filling
- A rough edge or ongoing toothache
These symptoms don't always mean you need a filling — an examination and X-ray may be required to identify the cause.
Old Silver Fillings
Replacing old amalgam fillings
Older silver fillings can become worn, cracked or loose, and decay may develop around their edges.
Not every amalgam filling needs replacing. If it remains secure and the surrounding tooth is healthy, your dentist may recommend monitoring it.
Replacement may be needed when there's decay, leakage, a crack or ongoing sensitivity — depending on the tooth, with composite resin, an inlay, an onlay or a crown.
What To Expect
Your visit, step by step
Examine & numb
Your dentist examines the tooth and may take an X-ray. Local anaesthetic may be used to numb the area for your comfort.
Remove & restore
The damaged section is carefully removed and the tooth cleaned and prepared. Composite is applied, shaped and hardened — for an inlay or onlay, an impression or digital scan is taken so the restoration can be custom-made.
Check & polish
Your dentist checks your bite, makes any adjustments and polishes the restoration so it feels smooth and comfortable.
Aftercare
After your filling
Your mouth may remain numb for several hours. Avoid chewing until the numbness has worn off, to prevent biting your cheek, lip or tongue.
Mild sensitivity can occur after a deep filling but should gradually improve. Contact Mount Druitt Dental if the pain becomes severe, the filling feels too high, or sensitivity continues.
Good brushing, daily flossing and regular dental visits help protect the restored tooth and prevent future cavities.
FAQs
Filling questions, answered
Do tooth fillings hurt?
Local anaesthetic is generally used to numb the area. You may feel pressure or vibration, but treatment should not normally be painful.
How long does a filling take?
A straightforward filling commonly takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the cavity.
How long do tooth-coloured fillings last?
Composite fillings can last for several years. Their lifespan depends on their size, your bite, oral hygiene and teeth grinding.
Is an onlay better than a large filling?
An onlay may provide greater strength when a tooth has lost too much structure for a standard filling.
What happens if a cavity is untreated?
It may grow and reach the nerve, causing pain, infection or the need for root canal treatment or extraction.
Have sensitivity, a broken filling, a suspected cavity or a damaged tooth? Book a tooth filling appointment or call (02) 9677 1172 — treating decay early preserves more of your natural tooth.
