01
A small cavity
When decay has moved beyond a watch-and-review stage, a filling may remove the damaged area and seal the tooth again.
Assessed tooth by toothDental fillings - Geraldton
Dental fillings in Geraldton when a small repair is enough.
If a check-up has found a cavity, a chipped edge, or an old filling that is starting to fail, we assess the tooth first. You will know whether it can be watched, repaired with a filling, or needs a different plan before treatment begins.
Written estimate firstHICAPS for eligible claimsCDBS for eligible children100 Chapman Rd, Geraldton
Small repairs explained before treatment begins
Overview
A filling is a repair conversation, not an automatic next step.
A filling repairs part of a tooth. The important part is deciding whether that tooth needs repair now, can be watched, or needs a different kind of care.
That decision usually starts at a check-up, with an X-ray, a visual exam, and a conversation about what the tooth is doing. A small cavity, a chipped edge, or an old filling with a gap at the edge can all lead to different recommendations.
You should leave the appointment understanding what was found, why a filling may or may not be enough, and what the fee looks like before treatment begins.
Monitor, fill, or protectdepending on what remains.
The choice depends on the tooth, not a script. These four pathways help explain the conversation your dentist may have with you.
The decision path
A filling is one possible answer. Sometimes the safer answer is monitoring, covering the tooth, or treating the nerve first.
This section mirrors the check-up page outcome pattern so patients can scan the same kind of decision logic across related services.
Monitor01
->Discuss at the appointmentEarly enamel change or staining may be watched and reviewed instead of filled straight away.
Fill02
->Discuss at the appointmentA smaller cavity, chip, or damaged area may be repaired directly when enough sound tooth remains.
Cover03
->Read the pathwayA large old filling or weakened tooth may need a crown discussion if a filling would carry too much load.
Treat the nerve04
->Read the pathwayIf decay or damage has reached the pulp, root canal treatment may become part of the conversation.
Small repairs, carefully timedfor teeth that can still hold them.
A dental filling can be discussed for several everyday tooth problems. Your dentist will check the size, depth, bite load, and remaining tooth structure before recommending it.
02
A chipped edge
A small chip may be repairable with filling material if the bite is stable and there is enough tooth to support the repair.
Assessed tooth by tooth03
An old filling with a gap
If the edge of an older filling is leaking, cracked, or collecting plaque, your dentist may discuss repair or replacement.
Assessed tooth by tooth04
A child eligible for CDBS
For eligible children, fillings are one of the basic dental services that may be covered under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Assessed tooth by toothThe material follows the toothand the job it needs to do.
There is no single filling material that suits every tooth. Your dentist considers where the tooth sits, how your teeth bite together, the size of the repair, moisture control, appearance, and whether the filling is temporary or intended to last longer.
01
Material choice depends on the toothComposite resin
A tooth-coloured material often used for small to moderate repairs. Shade matching is possible, but the main decision is whether the tooth can support a bonded filling.
02
Material choice depends on the toothGlass ionomer
A tooth-coloured material that may be used for temporary repairs, some children's teeth, or areas where the clinical situation suits it.
03
Material choice depends on the toothExisting silver fillings
Older silver-coloured fillings are assessed tooth by tooth. Replacement is not automatic just because the material is old or visible.
If you have an older amalgam filling and no symptoms, ask for an assessment before deciding to replace it. The ADA notes that removal is not usually advised unless there is a clinical reason.
A simple repair still deservesa clear sequence.
Many fillings are completed in one appointment, but the exact sequence depends on the tooth and the material being used.
Step 01
Your dentist checks the tooth, reviews X-rays if needed, explains the options, and gives you the fee before treatment starts.
Your visit - Step 01
Assessment and estimate
Your dentist checks the tooth, reviews X-rays if needed, explains the options, and gives you the fee before treatment starts.
The appointment stays assessment-led: the tooth, symptoms, bite, material choice, and fee are explained before treatment begins.
Step 02
Local anaesthetic may be used where appropriate. The tooth is kept clean and dry so the material can be placed properly.
Your visit - Step 02
Comfort and isolation
Local anaesthetic may be used where appropriate. The tooth is kept clean and dry so the material can be placed properly.
The appointment stays assessment-led: the tooth, symptoms, bite, material choice, and fee are explained before treatment begins.
Step 03
Damaged tooth structure is removed, filling material is placed, and the repair is shaped to fit your bite.
Your visit - Step 03
Repair and shape
Damaged tooth structure is removed, filling material is placed, and the repair is shaped to fit your bite.
The appointment stays assessment-led: the tooth, symptoms, bite, material choice, and fee are explained before treatment begins.
Step 04
The bite is checked before you leave, and you will know what to expect if the tooth feels sensitive for a short period afterward.
Your visit - Step 04
Bite check and care advice
The bite is checked before you leave, and you will know what to expect if the tooth feels sensitive for a short period afterward.
The appointment stays assessment-led: the tooth, symptoms, bite, material choice, and fee are explained before treatment begins.
When it is not just a filling
Small repair, wider plan or something more urgent.
A filling is only one option. If the tooth is too weak, too deep, or too uncomfortable, another pathway may be more appropriate.
Know the fee firstthen choose your timing.
Filling fees vary with the tooth, the number of surfaces repaired, the material used, and how much time the appointment needs. At your visit, the tooth is assessed and you receive a written estimate before treatment begins.
What can change the estimate
Written estimateThe number of surfaces, material, tooth location, and appointment complexity can change the fee. We explain that before treatment starts.
01HICAPS on siteIf your health fund participates, reception can process eligible claims through HICAPS and show the gap at the appointment.
02CDBS for eligible childrenCDBS can include fillings for eligible children aged 0 to 17, subject to eligibility, balance, and program rules.
03Written estimate firstFor larger courses of treatment, we explain the clinical need, likely timing, and fees before you decide how to proceed.
04Health fund benefits, CDBS balances, waiting periods, annual limits, and item numbers vary. The clinic can help you understand the estimate, but your fund or Medicare confirms the final benefit details.
Filling
A direct repair for a smaller area when enough sound tooth remains.
Crown conversation
A large old filling, crack, or heavily loaded tooth may need broader coverage discussed.
Root canal conversation
Deep decay, lingering symptoms, or pulp involvement can change the plan from repair to nerve treatment.
Emergency advice
A broken tooth, swelling, or strong toothache should be assessed promptly instead of waiting for a routine filling visit.
Health funds we accept
HICAPS processed on-site for major Australian health funds. Benefits depend on your policy, annual limits and item codes.
What to watch afterwardand when to call back.
Some short-term sensitivity can happen after a filling. Your dentist will explain what is expected for your tooth and when to contact the clinic.
01
Aftercare noteWait for numbness to wear off
Avoid chewing on the numb side until feeling returns, especially for children, so cheeks and lips are not bitten accidentally.
02
Aftercare noteMild sensitivity can occur
Sensitivity to temperature or biting may settle over days or a couple of weeks. If it worsens or persists, call the clinic.
03
Aftercare noteThe bite should feel even
If the filled tooth feels high, catches first, or makes chewing uncomfortable, it may need a small adjustment.
04
Aftercare noteKeep reviews in place
Fillings need routine checks because edges can wear, stain, leak, or collect plaque over time.
Before you decideask the careful questions.
How do I know if I need a filling?
A dentist usually decides after looking at the tooth, asking about symptoms, and using X-rays when there is a clinical reason. A filling may be discussed when a cavity has formed, a chipped area needs support, or an older filling has a gap or broken edge.
Not every mark or early enamel change needs immediate drilling. Some areas can be monitored with prevention advice and reviewed at your next check-up. The appointment should leave you knowing what was found, what can wait, and what should be repaired.
Not every mark or early enamel change needs immediate drilling. Some areas can be monitored with prevention advice and reviewed at your next check-up. The appointment should leave you knowing what was found, what can wait, and what should be repaired.
Can a small cavity be watched instead of filled?
Sometimes. Very early enamel changes, staining, or a small area that has not broken through may be monitored with prevention advice and review. Your dentist will look at the tooth, your decay risk, X-rays when needed, and whether the area is changing over time.
A filling is more likely to be discussed when part of the tooth has broken down, a cavity is present, an old filling is leaking, or the tooth needs a sealed repair. If the problem is larger than a filling can sensibly support, your dentist may also talk through a crown or root canal pathway.
A filling is more likely to be discussed when part of the tooth has broken down, a cavity is present, an old filling is leaking, or the tooth needs a sealed repair. If the problem is larger than a filling can sensibly support, your dentist may also talk through a crown or root canal pathway.
What is a composite filling?
A composite filling is a tooth-coloured resin material used to repair some cavities, chips, and worn or broken areas. It is placed directly in the tooth and bonded in layers, then shaped and polished so the bite feels even.
Composite can often be shade matched, especially in visible areas, but appearance is not the only deciding factor. The dentist still needs to check moisture control, bite pressure, how much tooth remains, and whether a direct filling is strong enough for that tooth.
Composite can often be shade matched, especially in visible areas, but appearance is not the only deciding factor. The dentist still needs to check moisture control, bite pressure, how much tooth remains, and whether a direct filling is strong enough for that tooth.
What type of filling material will you use?
The material depends on the tooth and the job. Composite resin is a tooth-coloured material often used for small to moderate repairs. Glass ionomer may be used in selected situations, including some temporary repairs or children's teeth. Older silver fillings are assessed on their condition rather than replaced automatically.
Your dentist will consider where the tooth sits, how your teeth bite together, the size of the repair, moisture control, appearance, and whether the filling is temporary or intended to last longer. You should understand why a material has been suggested before treatment begins.
Your dentist will consider where the tooth sits, how your teeth bite together, the size of the repair, moisture control, appearance, and whether the filling is temporary or intended to last longer. You should understand why a material has been suggested before treatment begins.
Do you still use amalgam fillings?
Amalgam is not commonly used in many Australian dental practices today, but existing amalgam fillings are still assessed on their condition. If an older filling is sealed, comfortable, and the tooth around it is sound, replacement may not be needed.
When a new repair is needed, your dentist will explain the material choice for that tooth. That may include composite resin, glass ionomer, a temporary material, or another restorative option if a direct filling is not enough.
When a new repair is needed, your dentist will explain the material choice for that tooth. That may include composite resin, glass ionomer, a temporary material, or another restorative option if a direct filling is not enough.
Should I replace old amalgam fillings?
Not simply because they are old or silver coloured. The more careful question is whether the filling is failing, the tooth is cracked, decay is present around the edges, or the tooth needs a different kind of repair.
The ADA advises that removal of amalgam fillings is usually considered when there is a clinical reason. If you are concerned about an older filling, we can assess it tooth by tooth and explain whether monitoring, repair, replacement, or a different pathway makes sense.
The ADA advises that removal of amalgam fillings is usually considered when there is a clinical reason. If you are concerned about an older filling, we can assess it tooth by tooth and explain whether monitoring, repair, replacement, or a different pathway makes sense.
What happens during a filling appointment?
The dentist confirms the tooth and plan first, including the fee and what material is being used. Local anaesthetic may be used, depending on the tooth and depth of the repair. The tooth is then kept clean and dry while the damaged area is removed and the filling material is placed.
Before you leave, the filling is shaped and your bite is checked. If the tooth feels high after the numbness wears off, call the clinic. A small adjustment can make chewing feel more even.
Before you leave, the filling is shaped and your bite is checked. If the tooth feels high after the numbness wears off, call the clinic. A small adjustment can make chewing feel more even.
Will the area be numbed?
Local anaesthetic may be used depending on the tooth, depth of the cavity, symptoms, and treatment plan. Some very small repairs may need little or no anaesthetic; deeper repairs usually need the area numbed so the tooth can be treated carefully.
If you are nervous about anaesthetic or dental treatment, mention it when you book or when you arrive. We can slow the appointment down, explain each step, and agree on a stop signal before treatment starts.
If you are nervous about anaesthetic or dental treatment, mention it when you book or when you arrive. We can slow the appointment down, explain each step, and agree on a stop signal before treatment starts.
How long does a filling take?
Many straightforward fillings are completed in one visit. The time depends on the tooth, the number of surfaces involved, the material, moisture control, and whether an old filling needs to be removed first.
If the tooth has a deeper crack, a large old filling, or symptoms that suggest nerve involvement, the appointment may become an assessment and planning visit instead of a simple repair. You should know that before treatment begins.
If the tooth has a deeper crack, a large old filling, or symptoms that suggest nerve involvement, the appointment may become an assessment and planning visit instead of a simple repair. You should know that before treatment begins.
What should I expect after a filling?
Some sensitivity to cold, heat, sweet foods, or biting can happen after a filling. It may settle over a few days, and in some cases can take a couple of weeks. Your dentist will explain what is expected for your tooth before you leave.
Please call the clinic if the sensitivity is worsening, lingering strongly, waking you at night, or if the bite feels high. A filled tooth that contacts first can sometimes need a small bite adjustment, and ongoing symptoms may need another assessment.
Please call the clinic if the sensitivity is worsening, lingering strongly, waking you at night, or if the bite feels high. A filled tooth that contacts first can sometimes need a small bite adjustment, and ongoing symptoms may need another assessment.
Can I use my health fund for a filling?
If your health fund participates through HICAPS, reception can usually process eligible claims on site. Your benefit depends on your fund, level of cover, limits, waiting periods, and remaining balance.
Before treatment starts, ask for the written estimate and expected gap. The clinic can help process the claim, but your fund confirms the final benefit.
Before treatment starts, ask for the written estimate and expected gap. The clinic can help process the claim, but your fund confirms the final benefit.
Are dental fillings covered by CDBS?
For eligible children aged 0 to 17, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule includes fillings among covered basic dental services. Services Australia lists the cap as $1,158 over 2 consecutive calendar years, indexed yearly on 1 January.
Eligibility and balance need to be checked before treatment, and there can be restrictions on what is covered. Bring your Medicare details or ask reception before the appointment so the estimate and any gap can be explained clearly.
Eligibility and balance need to be checked before treatment, and there can be restrictions on what is covered. Bring your Medicare details or ask reception before the appointment so the estimate and any gap can be explained clearly.
How much does a filling cost?
The fee depends on the tooth, the number of surfaces involved, the material used, and how complex the appointment is. A small single-surface repair is different from replacing a larger old filling or rebuilding a chipped tooth edge.
Chapman Road Dental gives a written estimate before treatment begins so you can understand the fee, likely health fund gap, and timing. If cost is a concern, ask whether the work can safely wait or needs to be prioritised now.
Chapman Road Dental gives a written estimate before treatment begins so you can understand the fee, likely health fund gap, and timing. If cost is a concern, ask whether the work can safely wait or needs to be prioritised now.
Why might a tooth need a crown instead of a filling?
A crown may be discussed when a filling would not give enough coverage or support. This can happen with a large old filling, a crack, heavy bite load, or limited remaining tooth structure.
The decision is not automatic. Your dentist should explain why a direct filling may be enough, why it may not be enough, and what the crown pathway would involve. You can read more on the dental crowns page.
The decision is not automatic. Your dentist should explain why a direct filling may be enough, why it may not be enough, and what the crown pathway would involve. You can read more on the dental crowns page.
Why might a tooth need root canal treatment instead of a filling?
Root canal treatment may be discussed when decay or damage has reached the pulp, or when symptoms suggest the nerve of the tooth is inflamed or infected. A filling repairs tooth structure; it does not remove infection inside the canal system.
If your symptoms are lingering, waking you at night, or linked with swelling, call the clinic. You can also read the root canal treatment page to understand how that conversation differs from a filling. If the tooth cannot be predictably restored, your dentist may also discuss tooth extraction or referral.
If your symptoms are lingering, waking you at night, or linked with swelling, call the clinic. You can also read the root canal treatment page to understand how that conversation differs from a filling. If the tooth cannot be predictably restored, your dentist may also discuss tooth extraction or referral.
How long do fillings last?
Fillings do not last forever. Their lifespan depends on material, size, bite load, tooth position, oral hygiene, diet, grinding, and whether decay develops around the edges. A small, well-supported filling has a different outlook from a large filling in a heavily loaded back tooth.
The useful habit is review. At check-ups, your dentist can look for open margins, cracks, rough edges, staining, or recurrent decay before the tooth becomes harder to repair.
The useful habit is review. At check-ups, your dentist can look for open margins, cracks, rough edges, staining, or recurrent decay before the tooth becomes harder to repair.
Can teeth still decay around a filling?
Yes. The join between tooth and filling can wear or open over time, and plaque can collect around edges. That space can allow decay to start again around or under the filling.
Brushing, flossing, diet habits, and routine reviews still matter after a filling. If a filling feels rough, catches floss, changes colour quickly, or the tooth becomes sensitive, it is worth having it checked.
Brushing, flossing, diet habits, and routine reviews still matter after a filling. If a filling feels rough, catches floss, changes colour quickly, or the tooth becomes sensitive, it is worth having it checked.
What should I do if a filling cracks or falls out?
Call the clinic for advice, especially if the tooth is sharp, sore, sensitive, or difficult to chew on. Avoid chewing hard foods on that side until the tooth is checked, and keep the area clean as best you can.
If there is swelling, strong toothache, facial trauma, or pain that is escalating, use the emergency dental pathway instead of waiting for a routine appointment.
If there is swelling, strong toothache, facial trauma, or pain that is escalating, use the emergency dental pathway instead of waiting for a routine appointment.
Can fillings match my tooth colour?
Tooth-coloured filling materials can often be shade matched, especially for visible teeth. The dentist considers tooth shade, where the repair sits, and how visible it is when you speak or smile.
A match can still change over time because natural tooth structure and filling material age differently. If the filling is on a front tooth or in the smile line, ask how colour matching, polishing, and future review will be handled.
A match can still change over time because natural tooth structure and filling material age differently. If the filling is on a front tooth or in the smile line, ask how colour matching, polishing, and future review will be handled.
Ready when you are
Start with the tooththen decide the repair.
Book an assessment if a check-up has found decay, an old filling feels rough, or a tooth has chipped. We will explain whether a filling is enough before anything begins.