FIRST STEP
Assess the tooth and discuss options
Restorative Dentistry • Balwyn North
Composite Resin Fillings
Tooth-coloured restoration designed around your smile.
Composite resin fillings can be used to repair teeth affected by decay, chips, fractures or wear. The material is carefully shaped and matched to your tooth, with treatment planned around the condition and structure of the individual tooth.
The most appropriate restorative option depends on the condition, size and location of the tooth requiring treatment.
YOUR DENTAL ASSESSMENT
Considering a tooth-coloured filling? We assess the tooth first.
Composite resin fillings can restore a tooth after decay, repair chips or cracks, and replace older restorations. The right approach depends on the individual tooth.
Extent of decay
How deep and wide the cavity has progressed
Tooth structure
How much healthy tooth remains after decay removal
Cracks or fractures
Damage that may affect the restoration choice
Symptoms
Pain or sensitivity that may indicate nerve involvement
Bite and occlusion
How the filling will meet the opposing tooth
Shade matching
Selecting a colour that suits the surrounding tooth
Not every area of decay or tooth damage requires the same restoration.
Your dentist will assess the tooth, explain whether a filling is the right
approach, and discuss the material, preparation and expected longevity
before you decide.
YOUR TREATMENT, AT A GLANCE
Composite resin fillings.
A tooth-coloured restoration that repairs decay, chips or damage — usually placed in a single appointment.
WHEN CONSIDERED
Decay, chips, cracks or broken teeth
LOCAL ANAESTHETIC
Numbing the tooth and surrounding area
DECAY REMOVAL
Cavity cleaned and prepared for filling
SHADE SELECTION
Colour matched to the surrounding tooth
COMPOSITE PLACED
Resin applied and shaped in layers
LIGHT CURING
Each layer set with a curing light
BITE AND POLISH
Shape refined, bite checked, surface polished
This is a general guide to a direct composite resin filling placed in a single visit. The size of the cavity, number of teeth and your individual needs will affect the time required. Your dentist will discuss the preparation, material, alternatives and expected longevity for your tooth.
HOW IT WORKS
What are resin fillings?
A tooth-coloured filling placed directly in the tooth and set with a curing light — typically in a single appointment.
A composite resin filling may be considered when decay has been removed, a tooth is chipped or cracked, or an older filling needs replacing. We remove decay, select a shade to match the surrounding tooth, and place the resin in layers — setting each one with a curing light before shaping and polishing the surface.
Composite resin bonds directly to the tooth, which generally means less tooth removal compared to some other restorations. The result blends with the natural tooth and is functional from the same appointment.
01
Assessment
Tooth, decay and bite
02
Placement
Shade matched, layered and cured
03
Polish
Bite adjusted and surface polished
These photographs show individual patient results. Your outcome will depend on the tooth, the extent of the cavity and the material selected. Your dentist will explain the options, longevity and care before treatment begins.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Planning a change from a silver filling.
These details help us discuss the appearance you want and assess the tooth before any replacement.
01
Tell us what you would like to change. Let us know which filling concerns you and whether you are hoping for a tooth-coloured appearance.
02
Mention any symptoms. Tell us about pain, sensitivity, a chipped tooth or a filling that feels loose. These may affect the treatment plan.
03
Update your medical history. Tell us about changes to your health, medicines and any previous reaction to dental materials or local anaesthetic. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice from your prescriber.
04
Ask about whitening first. If you plan to whiten your natural teeth, discuss the timing before selecting the shade of a new restoration.
05
Allow time to review your options. A tooth-coloured filling, onlay or crown may be considered depending on the tooth. We will explain the proposed treatment, appointments and costs before you decide.
Restorative Decisions
When might a filling not be enough?
The larger the problem, the more the remaining tooth matters.
Composite resin is useful for many restorations, but there comes a point where simply replacing missing structure with a filling may not be the most appropriate way to restore a tooth.
01
Localised
Smaller Area
A localised restoration.
Where adequate healthy tooth remains, a direct filling is likely suitable.
02
More Structure Lost
Larger Area
Less tooth remains around the filling.
As the restoration grows, the distribution of remaining tooth structure becomes increasingly important.
03
Needs Assessment
Significant Damage
A filling may no longer be the best option.
A badly broken, heavily restored or cracked tooth may need a different restorative approach.
Another Restorative Option
Sometimes a tooth needs coverage rather than another large filling.
For a badly broken, cracked or heavily compromised tooth, your dentist may recommend a crown or other approach. The decision depends on the individual tooth.
There Isn't A Universal Cut-Off
Treatment decisions are made tooth by tooth.
Two fillings that look similar can be in teeth with very different amounts of remaining structure, different cracks and different biting forces — which is why each tooth is assessed before deciding on the best restoration.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Resin fillings FAQ.
What is a composite resin filling?
A composite resin filling is a tooth-coloured restoration placed directly into a prepared cavity and set with a curing light. It bonds to the tooth and can be used to repair decay, chips or small cracks.
When is a resin filling recommended?
A filling may be recommended when decay is removed and the remaining tooth structure is sufficient to support a direct restoration. Your dentist will assess the tooth first and explain whether a filling is appropriate or whether another restoration would better suit the tooth.
Does the tooth need to be prepared?
Yes. The decay or damaged area is removed and the cavity is cleaned before the resin is placed. Composite resin bonds to the tooth, so less removal is generally required compared to some other restorations. Your dentist will explain what preparation is needed for your tooth.
How long does a resin filling appointment take?
Most composite resin fillings are placed in a single visit. The time depends on the size and location of the cavity and how many teeth are being treated. Your dentist can give you a more accurate estimate once the tooth has been assessed.
Will the filling match my other teeth?
A shade is selected with the surrounding tooth in mind. The final appearance depends on your starting tooth colour, the size of the restoration and the location. We check the appearance, shape and bite before you leave the appointment.
How long does a resin filling last?
Lifespan varies with the size of the filling, its location, biting forces and how well the tooth is cleaned. Resin fillings may eventually chip, wear or need replacement. Regular reviews allow your dentist to monitor the restoration and the tooth around it.
How do I look after a resin filling?
Brush and floss the tooth as normal. Some mild sensitivity after placement is common and usually settles. Avoid very hard foods that could chip the filling, and let us know if your bite feels uneven, sensitivity does not settle, or you have any concerns.
Can a resin filling replace an old amalgam filling?
This is possible for many teeth. Your dentist will first examine the existing filling and the tooth around it, as removal of a sound amalgam involves some preparation of the tooth. They will explain the condition of the tooth, the options available and what the proposed treatment would involve.
Dental Restorations • Balwyn North
Have a tooth that needs checking?
A chipped tooth, an old filling or a tooth that feels different is worth assessing before deciding how it should be restored.
We can examine the tooth, look at how much healthy structure remains and discuss whether a composite filling or another restorative approach is appropriate.
01
Assess
The tooth & existing restoration
02
Consider
Remaining tooth structure
03
Plan
The appropriate restoration
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