Decay, chips and worn edges repaired gently — with white, tooth-coloured fillings wherever possible, matched to the tooth around them.
A filling is one of dentistry's quietest fixes — here's the whole visit, step by step.
First we find exactly what's going on — locating the cavity, crack or worn edge and checking the tooth around it. Fillings aren't only for decay: chips, fractures, tooth grinding, nail-biting and even heavy toothbrushing can all wear a tooth down.
Before we pick up an instrument, we explain what we've found in plain English and what your options are. If the tooth doesn't need a filling, we'll say so — and whatever we do recommend, you'll have the cost in writing before treatment begins.
“…very thorough and dedicated dentist who takes great pride.”
With local anaesthetic if it's needed, we carefully remove all of the decay. Appointments here are unhurried — if you're nervous about dental work, say so and we'll go at your pace.
We then fill the tooth to restore its original shape and function. Wherever possible we use white, tooth-coloured filling material — the result is far more aesthetic, so the repair doesn't announce itself every time you smile.
We use local anaesthetic whenever it's needed, so the tooth and the gum around it are numb before any decay is removed. Most patients find the visit far more uneventful than they feared. If you're anxious about the dentist, tell us when you book — calm, unhurried appointments are what we're known for.
There are different filling materials, but at our clinic we prefer white, tooth-coloured fillings wherever possible — the result is far more aesthetic. The filling is matched to the shade of the tooth around it, so the repair blends in rather than showing as a grey patch.
Honestly: it depends, so we won't quote you a number. The size of the filling, where it sits in your bite, the health of the tooth beneath it and habits like grinding all play a part. What we can do is keep an eye on every filling at your regular check-ups — X-rays can pick up decay underneath an existing filling before it becomes a bigger problem.
It can be. Grinding (bruxism) is a common cause of chipped, cracked and worn teeth — along with nail-biting and brushing too hard. If you know or suspect you grind, mention it at your appointment: it changes how we plan a repair and what we watch for afterwards.
We don't publish set prices because no two teeth are the same. Once we've examined the tooth, you'll receive a quote in writing before any treatment begins — we'll always talk cost before we treat. We accept smile.com.au dental cover, and our patients claim with many other funds; call us and we'll help you check your cover.
Yes — we keep emergency appointments open every day and aim to fit you in as quickly as possible. Call (03) 9560 2702 and we'll do our best to see you promptly, or read what to do in a dental emergency.
“We'll always tell you when treatment isn't needed.”
Dr Michael Sawaya
Dr Barry Kave
