Dental Fillings Reservoir
Strong, tooth-coloured fillings that repair decay and blend in. Most are done in one visit of 20 to 45 minutes.
- Medibank & Bupa preferred provider
- Open Saturdays
- Payment plans available
- Treatment time
- 20–45 min
- Visits
- Usually one
- Material
- Tooth-coloured
- Eating
- Once numbness wears off
What is a dental filling?
Last updated October 2026 by the Royal Parade Dental team
A dental filling repairs a tooth that's been damaged by decay or a small break. We remove the damaged part, clean the area and rebuild the tooth with a strong, tooth-coloured material shaped to fit your bite.
The earlier a cavity is treated, the smaller the filling and the more of your natural tooth we keep. Leave it, and decay spreads towards the nerve, which can mean a root canal or a crown instead.
- Stops decay spreading towards the nerve
- Keeps more of your natural tooth
- Colour-matched so it blends in
Signs you might need a filling
Often there are no signs at all. Many cavities we fill are found at a routine check-up before they've caused any discomfort, which is one reason regular preventive care saves people money.
Sudden, throbbing pain or swelling? Don't wait for a routine appointment. Call us on 03 9460 4922 for an emergency dental appointment.
What does a cavity look like?
An early cavity often looks like a chalky white or light brown spot. As it gets worse it turns darker and can become a hole you can see. Many cavities start where you can't see them at all.
- 1
Early
A chalky white or light brown spot on the enamel. Sometimes reversible with fluoride.
- 2
Progressing
Darker brown or black, becoming a pit or hole you can see or feel. Needs a filling.
- 3
Hidden
Between teeth or under old fillings, invisible to the eye. That's why X-rays at check-ups matter.
A dark line isn't always decay either. It can be stain sitting in the grooves of a back tooth. If you're not sure, a quick look at a check-up will tell you which it is.
Back teeth get the most cavities because their deep grooves trap food and they're harder to reach with a brush. Front-tooth fillings are usually smaller and need careful colour matching so they don't show. Small chips on front teeth can often be repaired with the same material, known as composite bonding.
Feeling nervous? Tell us when you book. We'll go at your pace, agree on a signal for when you need a break, and explain each step before we do it. Ceiling TVs and warm blankets help too. More on care for anxious patients.
What happens during a filling
- Check and explain. We look at the tooth, take an X-ray if needed, and tell you the size of the filling and the cost before we start.
- Numb the area. Most fillings are done with local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. Very small, shallow fillings sometimes don't need numbing, and that's your choice.
- Remove the decay. We take away only the damaged part and keep as much healthy tooth as possible.
- Rebuild the tooth. Tooth-coloured composite is placed in thin layers and set hard with a blue curing light.
- Shape and check your bite. We shape the filling to match your tooth, then have you bite on paper to make sure it feels even.
Which filling material is right for you?
We'll recommend a material based on the size of the cavity, where the tooth is, and how much chewing force it takes.
Composite resin
- Colour
- Tooth-coloured
- Best for
- Most fillings, front and back teeth
- Good to know
- Bonds to the tooth, done in one visit, can be repaired
Glass ionomer
- Colour
- Tooth-coloured (less glossy)
- Best for
- Baby teeth, near the gumline, temporary fillings
- Good to know
- Releases fluoride, less hard-wearing on chewing surfaces
Porcelain inlay or onlay
- Colour
- Tooth-coloured
- Best for
- Large fillings on back teeth
- Good to know
- Made to measure, very durable, usually two visits
Should you replace old silver fillings?
Only if there's a reason to. Australian health authorities consider intact amalgam fillings safe for most people, and drilling out a healthy one removes extra tooth structure you can't get back.
We'll recommend replacing it if
- It's cracked or chipped
- It's leaking at the edges
- There's decay underneath
- The tooth around it is starting to crack
It's usually fine to leave if
- It's intact and sealed
- There's no decay around it
- The tooth is comfortable and strong
Some people still prefer to swap them for appearance, and that's a reasonable choice. We'll show you photos of your fillings, explain what we see, and let you decide. If a large old filling needs replacing, an onlay or crown may protect the tooth better than another filling.
How much does a filling cost in Reservoir?
The cost depends on how many surfaces of the tooth need repair and whether it's a front or back tooth. A small one-surface filling costs much less than a large filling covering three or four surfaces.
You'll always get the cost before we start. We're a preferred provider for Medibank and Bupa, and we work with other funds including HCF, which can lower your gap on extras cover. Payment plans are available for larger treatment.
Filling item numbers
| Item no. | Filling |
|---|---|
| 521–525 | Front tooth, tooth-coloured |
| 531–535 | Back tooth, tooth-coloured |
The last digit is the number of surfaces filled, from 1 to 5. Quote these to your health fund to check your cover.
Aftercare: eating, sensitivity and what's normal
Eating
Composite is fully set before you leave, so you can eat as soon as the numbness wears off, usually within two to three hours. Until then, avoid hot drinks and chewing so you don't bite your cheek or tongue.
Sensitivity
Mild sensitivity to cold or biting for a few days, sometimes up to two weeks, is common, especially after a deeper filling. It should steadily ease.
Bite feels high
If your teeth don't meet evenly once the numbness wears off, call us. A quick adjustment fixes it, and leaving it can make the tooth sore.
Call us if
Pain gets worse rather than better, throbs, wakes you at night, or you notice swelling.
Lost or broken filling? What to do
Fillings can come loose or crack, usually because of new decay underneath or biting on something hard.
- Call us. We'll try to see you within a day or two, sooner if it hurts.
- Keep the area clean. Rinse with warm salty water and brush gently around the tooth.
- Chew on the other side. Avoid very hot, cold or sticky food.
- Cover sharp edges if you need to. A temporary filling kit from a pharmacy or supermarket can protect the tooth for a few days. It's a stopgap, not a fix.
Don't leave a lost filling for weeks. The exposed tooth is weaker and decays faster. A gap that needs a simple new filling today can crack or need root canal treatment later.
How long do fillings last?
A well-placed composite filling often lasts ten years or more. Small fillings on front teeth tend to last longest. Large fillings on back molars take more chewing force and may need replacing sooner.
Last longer with
- Regular check-ups
- Daily flossing
- Fewer sugary snacks
Wear faster with
- Teeth grinding
- Frequent snacking
- Skipped check-ups
If you grind at night, a bruxism splint helps protect your fillings.
Why choose us for your filling
- Conservative treatment. We fill what needs filling and watch what doesn't. If a spot can be managed with fluoride and monitoring, we'll tell you.
- More than 65 years at Royal Parade. A long-standing local practice, not a chain.
- Comfort matters. Ceiling TVs, blankets and a team that doesn't rush you.
- Easy to reach. 2A Royal Parade, near Reservoir Station on the Mernda line, with free street parking. Open six days, including Saturdays.
Questions people ask us
Do fillings hurt?
Most people feel pressure and vibration rather than pain because the tooth is numbed first. The injection itself is a brief pinch, and we use numbing gel beforehand. Some tenderness afterwards is normal for a few days.
How long does a filling take?
A small filling takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Larger or multiple fillings take 45 minutes to an hour.
How long after a filling can I eat?
With a tooth-coloured filling, as soon as the numbness wears off, usually two to three hours. The filling is already set hard. Waiting simply protects your cheek and tongue.
Why does my tooth hurt after a filling?
Some sensitivity for a few days is normal, especially after a deep filling. If it hurts mostly when you bite, the filling may be slightly high and needs a quick adjustment. Pain that gets worse or throbs needs a check.
Can a cavity heal without a filling?
Very early decay, seen as a chalky white spot, can sometimes be stopped with fluoride and better cleaning. Once there's an actual hole in the tooth, it can't repair itself and needs a filling.
Is a filling covered by private health insurance?
Fillings fall under general dental on most extras policies, so they're usually partly covered. How much depends on your policy and remaining annual limit.
What if the cavity is too big for a filling?
If there isn't enough healthy tooth left to hold a filling, an onlay or crown will protect it better. If decay has reached the nerve, the tooth may need root canal treatment first.
Is it normal for my lip to feel droopy after a filling?
Yes. The anaesthetic numbs your lip, cheek and sometimes tongue, so your smile can feel lopsided for two to three hours. Lower teeth usually take a little longer to wear off. If the numbness is still there the next day, call us.
Why would I need a root canal after a filling?
If decay was very close to the nerve, the nerve can stay irritated or become infected even after a good filling. Warning signs are lingering pain with hot or cold, throbbing, or pain that wakes you at night. We'll tell you beforehand if a filling is deep, so you know what to watch for.
What are tooth-coloured fillings made of?
Composite resin: a mix of resin and very fine glass or ceramic particles, shaded to match your tooth and bonded on with an adhesive. It contains no metal or mercury.
How to Get Started
Getting started with Royal Parade Dental Clinic Smiles is simple. Just follow these three easy steps and you’ll be on your way to a healthier, brighter smile
Book Your Appointment
Call us on 03 9460 4922 or book online. Choose a time that suits your lifestyle—we offer same-day appointments for emergencies.
Visit Our Clinic
Find us at our Reservoir location within the Royal Parade complex. Our friendly team will welcome you into our calming, aromatherapy-scented environment.
Smile with Confidence
We’ll provide a clear, personalized treatment plan and answer all your questions, getting you back to smiling confidently.
Where to Find Us
We are located at 2A Royal Parade, Reservoir, situated within the Royal Parade complex. Look for our signature signage to guide you straight to our front door.
Free Parking
Convenient parking is available right at our doorstep. You’ll find one reserved space directly in front of the surgery, with plenty of free street parking throughout the immediate area, making your arrival simple and stress-free.
Public Transport Access
Multiple routes service the Royal Parade/Edwardes St area. Train: We are a short distance from Reservoir Station (Mernda Line).
If you have any trouble finding us, call 03 9460 4922 and our team will guide you in.
Book Your Appointment!
Plan your visit with ease — we’re open throughout the week for your convenience.
Monday:
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday:
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday:
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday:
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:
Closed
Got a cavity or a broken filling?
The sooner it’s treated, the smaller the filling. Book online or call 03 9460 4922 and we’ll find a time that suits.