Fillings usually last 5 to 7 years, with the lifespan depending on several factors — including its size and location, your oral hygiene, diet, and how heavy your bite is. In the past, silver amalgam fillings were considered longer lasting, but modern composite materials now offer comparable durability in many cases. With good home care and regular dental check-ups, composite fillings can last a long while. We’ll guide you on what to expect for your individual case.

A tooth filling procedure should not hurt. Before placing a filling, the area is numbed with local anaesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure. The injection may cause a brief sting, but it settles quickly. You may feel some pressure or vibration, but not sharp pain. After the appointment, mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or biting pressure can occur for a few days. This usually settles on its own. If discomfort persists, we encourage you to contact us for a review.

Most cavity fillings take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the decay. Larger fillings or multiple teeth will take longer. During your consultation, we’ll explain the expected appointment time and what the procedure will involve.

Amalgam fillings are the traditional silver metal fillings many people remember. While functional, they are visible and can cause the tooth to darken over time. Composite fillings, which we use at Melbourne Dental Studio, are tooth-coloured resin materials made from glass particles and synthetic resins. They bond directly to the tooth and are colour-matched to blend naturally with your smile.

With composite fillings, the material is hardened immediately using a curing light, so you can eat once the numbness has worn off. We recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods for the rest of the day, and waiting until normal sensation has returned to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.