Dental Fillings
Tooth-coloured composite fillings that look natural and last — using minimally invasive techniques to preserve your healthy tooth.
What You Need to Know
Cavities happen, even with good brushing and flossing. The important thing is catching them early and treating them with materials that look natural, last well, and preserve as much of your healthy tooth structure as possible.
Why Patients Choose Us
Tooth-Coloured Composites
We match the filling material to the exact shade of your tooth. No one will know it’s there — it just looks like a healthy tooth.
Minimally Invasive
We remove only the decayed portion and preserve as much healthy tooth as possible. Less drilling, more preservation.
Modern Materials
Composite resin and glass ionomer cement (GIC) are durable, biocompatible, and bond directly to your tooth for a strong repair.
Quick & Comfortable
Most fillings are done in a single visit under local anaesthetic. Happy gas is available if you’d like extra comfort.
Replace Old Amalgam
If you have old silver fillings that are cracking, leaking, or you simply want them replaced with tooth-coloured material, we can help.
Common Questions About Dental Fillings
Do fillings hurt?
No — we use local anaesthetic to numb the area completely before starting. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Most patients say it’s much easier than they expected.
How long do fillings last?
Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings typically last 7–10 years, though many last much longer with good care. We’ll monitor your fillings at each check-up and let you know early if any show signs of wear.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
Not necessarily — if they’re still intact and functional, there’s no urgent need. However, if they’re cracking, leaking, or you want a more natural look, we can replace them with tooth-coloured composite.
What types of filling materials do you use?
We primarily use composite resin (tooth-coloured) fillings. They bond directly to the tooth, look natural, and require less tooth removal than traditional amalgam. For larger restorations, we may recommend ceramic inlays or onlays.
How long does a filling take?
A simple filling takes about 20-30 minutes. Larger fillings or multiple fillings may take longer. We’ll give you a time estimate when we plan your treatment.
Can I eat straight after a filling?
With composite fillings, the material is fully set when you leave, so you can eat as soon as the numbness wears off (usually 1-2 hours). Avoid very hard or sticky foods for 24 hours.
How do I know if I need a filling?
Common signs include tooth sensitivity, visible holes or dark spots, pain when biting, or food getting stuck in the same spot. However, early decay often has no symptoms — that’s why regular check-ups matter.
Are tooth-coloured fillings as strong as silver ones?
Modern composite materials are very strong and suitable for most situations. For very large restorations on back teeth, we may recommend a ceramic inlay or crown for extra durability.
How much does a composite filling cost in Darwin?
White composite fillings range $242–$495 depending on the number of surfaces involved. A 1-surface filling (ADA codes 521 or 531) starts at $242; a 5-surface filling (codes 525 or 535) is up to $495. HICAPS on the spot so you only pay the gap. For CDBS-eligible children aged 0–17, you pay the full fee at the visit and we give you an itemised invoice listing the Medicare item numbers — you then claim the rebate back from Medicare (up to the $1,095 CDBS cap over 2 years).
Do you use mercury-free fillings?
Yes, we primarily use composite resin which is mercury-free. If you have concerns about existing amalgam fillings, we can discuss safe removal and replacement options.
Think You Might Need a Filling?
The sooner we catch a cavity, the simpler and cheaper the fix. Book a check-up and we’ll take a look.
