Dental Fillings in Hilbert
Tooth-coloured composite fillings that restore strength and appearance in a single appointment. Assessment, treatment options, and a clear cost estimate — before any work begins.
Restoring teeth damaged by decay or fracture
A dental filling replaces tooth structure lost to decay, fracture, or wear. The damaged portion of the tooth is carefully removed and replaced with a filling material that bonds directly to the remaining tooth, restoring both function and appearance. Composite resin — a tooth-coloured material — is the standard filling type at Sienna Smiles.
Fillings are one of the most frequently performed dental procedures in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), dental caries (tooth decay) remains the most prevalent chronic disease in the country, affecting approximately 1 in 3 adults with untreated decay. Most fillings are completed in a single appointment lasting 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the restoration. Your dentist will assess the extent of the damage at your [check-up](/general-dentistry/check-up-and-clean) and confirm whether a filling is sufficient or whether an alternative [restorative treatment](/restorative-dentistry) such as an inlay, onlay, or crown may be more clinically appropriate.
Choosing your filling material
Composite resin is the standard filling material at Sienna Smiles and the most commonly placed filling type in Australian dental practices today. The Australian Dental Association recognises both composite resin and dental amalgam as clinically validated materials. Here is how the two compare:
Composite Resin
Tooth-coloured, bonded directly
- AppearanceMatched to your natural tooth colour — virtually invisible once placed
- BondingBonds directly to tooth structure, which can help support the remaining tooth
- Tooth removalLess healthy tooth structure typically needs to be removed during preparation
- DurabilityWith proper care, composite fillings can last many years — individual results vary based on bite forces, location, and oral hygiene
- CostComparable to amalgam for most restorations; covered by most health funds
Amalgam (Silver)
Metal alloy, traditional option
- AppearanceSilver-grey metallic colour — visible in the mouth, particularly on posterior teeth
- BondingHeld in place mechanically rather than bonded — requires a slightly different cavity preparation
- Tooth removalMay require more healthy tooth structure to be removed to create a retentive cavity shape
- DurabilityAmalgam fillings have a long clinical track record, particularly in high-load posterior teeth
- CostSimilar cost to composite for most sizes; some health funds cover both equally
A conservative option for chips and minor gaps
Tooth bonding uses the same composite resin material as fillings, applied directly to the tooth surface to repair chips, close minor gaps, or improve the shape of a tooth. Unlike a filling — which repairs decay — bonding is typically a cosmetic or preventive procedure.
The process is straightforward: the tooth surface is lightly prepared, the composite is shaped by hand, and a curing light hardens the material in place. Most bonding appointments take 30 to 45 minutes per tooth, and no drilling is required in many cases.
With good care, bonding can last several years before a refresh may be needed. It is one of the most conservative dental treatments available — no tooth structure is removed in most situations, making it a suitable first option for minor cosmetic concerns.
The filling process, step by step
Most filling appointments at Sienna Smiles follow a straightforward four-step process. Your dentist will explain each step before and during the procedure.
Examination and Diagnosis
Your dentist examines the tooth and may take an X-ray to confirm the extent of the decay or damage. The treatment plan — including material, cost, and alternatives — is discussed before any work begins.
Local Anaesthetic Applied
Local anaesthetic is administered to numb the area around the tooth. Most patients describe the initial sensation as a brief pinch. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the area is completely numb.
Decay Removed and Filling Placed
The decayed or damaged tooth material is carefully removed. The cavity is cleaned, conditioned, and the composite resin is placed in layers — each layer cured with a special light before the next is applied.
Shape and Polish
The filling is shaped to match your natural bite and polished to a smooth finish. Your dentist will check your bite and make fine adjustments. Most appointments take 30 to 60 minutes.
Dental fillings answered
Ready to restore your smile?
Whether you need a filling, a replacement, or want to explore bonding for a chip or gap — book a consultation at Sienna Smiles. Your dentist will assess the tooth, explain your options, and provide a written cost estimate before any treatment begins.