If the words “you need a filling” make your stomach drop, you’re in very good company. It’s one of the most common dental treatments in Australia, and at Melton Dental House, it’s also one of the quickest. Most fillings are done in a single appointment, often in under an hour, and you’ll be numb the entire time.
We’ve placed thousands of fillings for families across Melton, Rockbank, Kurunjang, Toolern Vale, Exford, and Brookfield over nearly 40 years in the community. Whether it’s your first filling or you’re replacing an old one, here’s everything you need to know.
How Do You Know If You Need a Filling?
Sometimes a cavity announces itself with a toothache. Other times, it’s completely silent. That’s one of the reasons regular check-ups matter so much. Your dentist can spot decay early, often before you feel anything at all.
Signs you might need a filling include:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- A visible hole or dark spot on a tooth
- Pain when biting down
- Food getting stuck in the same spot repeatedly
- A rough or jagged edge you can feel with your tongue
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s worth booking a check-up sooner rather than later. Catching decay early usually means a smaller, simpler filling.
Types of Fillings We Offer
At Melton Dental House, we offer several types of fillings depending on the location and size of the cavity, your budget, and your preferences.
Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings. These are the most popular choice because they blend in with your natural teeth. They’re ideal for visible areas like your front teeth. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, which means less drilling and more of your natural tooth structure is preserved.
Amalgam (silver) fillings. These are strong, durable, and well-suited to back teeth where chewing forces are greatest. While they’re less aesthetically appealing, they’re a reliable option that’s been used safely for decades
Glass ionomer fillings. These release fluoride over time, which can help protect against further decay. They’re often used for fillings near the gum line or for children’s teeth.
Your dentist will recommend the best option for your specific situation and explain the pros and cons of each.
What the Process Actually Looks Like
Here’s the thing most people don’t expect: getting a filling is genuinely straightforward. Here’s what happens:
Step 1: Numbing. Your dentist applies a local anaesthetic so you won’t feel the treatment. If you’re nervous about the needle, let us know. We have techniques to make even that part more comfortable.
Step 2: Removing the decay. Using a small drill (or in some cases, a laser), your dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth. You’ll hear the sound but won’t feel pain.
Step 3: Placing the filling. The filling material is applied in layers, shaped to match the contour of your tooth, and hardened with a special light (for composite fillings).
Step 4: Adjusting the bite. Your dentist checks that your bite feels natural and makes any final adjustments.
The whole process typically takes 20 to 45 minutes per filling. You can eat and drink normally once the numbness wears off, usually within a couple of hours.
What If You’re Nervous About Dental Fillings?
We hear it all the time. Dental anxiety is incredibly common, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. At Melton Dental House, we’re experienced in caring for anxious patients of all ages.
For a standard filling, local anaesthetic is usually all you need. But if your anxiety is more significant, we offer IV sedation and even in-house general anaesthesia for patients who need it. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through any dental treatment here.
Talk to our team when you book your appointment, and we’ll make sure you’re comfortable before we start anything.
Why Choose Melton Dental House for Fillings
With nearly 40 years of experience and 39,000+ families cared for, dental fillings are something we do every single day. Our team uses modern materials, digital imaging for accurate diagnosis, and a gentle approach that puts your comfort first.
We’re conveniently located at 6 O’Neills Road, Melton, open Monday to Saturday, and we accept all major health funds with flexible payment options available.
Ready to get that filling sorted? Contact us to book your appointment today.
Give us a call at +61 3 8798 9798 or contact us by submitting the enquiry form below. We will be happy to help.
