Tooth and restoration condition
Decay, cracks, chips, wear and existing dental work are examined to see how much sound tooth structure remains to support a repair.
WHITE FILLINGS
White Fillings for Chipped, Worn or Decayed Teeth
A white filling is a tooth-coloured repair for a small to moderate chip, worn area or decayed spot, matched to the surrounding tooth as closely as practical. Suitability depends on the tooth, repair size and biting forces. Your dentist will discuss shade expectations, as an exact match cannot be guaranteed.
Request an assessment for a chipped, worn or previously repaired tooth. If a tooth has broken today, is painful, or the gum is swollen, call 08 9386 3437 first rather than booking online.
WHITE FILLINGS appointment details
May be considered for
Small to moderate areas of decay, chips, wear or damaged fillings where a tooth-coloured repair is clinically suitable.
Fees
Fees depend on the tooth, the size of the repair and what the treatment involves. Itemised costs are discussed before treatment begins.
Risks and limitations
Sensitivity, wear, chipping, staining or seal breakdown can occur, and a repair may later need polishing, patching or replacement. Your dentist discusses the risks for your tooth first.
Start Here
When a White Filling Is the Right Repair
A white filling may be considered when part of a tooth needs repair. An assessment identifies the cause and extent of the problem before your dentist discusses whether a filling, another treatment or monitoring is appropriate.
Start here if
- 01Decay has been identified during an examination or on a dental X-ray.
- 02A tooth has a small chip, a worn edge or one localised area of damage.
- 03An existing filling feels rough, has fractured, or has started catching food.
- 04The colour or shape of previous dental work has changed and you would like it assessed.
Assessment
What your dentist checks
Your dentist assesses whether a filling can restore the tooth or whether another approach, monitoring or further investigation is more appropriate. Relevant options, risks, shade expectations and fees are discussed before treatment.
Tooth health and symptoms
Sensitivity, pain on biting, food trapping or changes around an old filling can mean tests or X-rays are needed before a restorative material is chosen.
Bite and tooth position
Clenching or grinding forces, tooth position and the repair size affect how long a filling is expected to hold. Back teeth take heavier loads than front teeth.
Records and gum health
Gum condition, cleaning access and X-rays or clinical photographs — where clinically indicated — help inform the recommendation and the treatment plan.
Your Appointment
What happens at your appointment
If treatment proceeds, the steps depend on the tooth and extent of the repair. Your dentist will explain the procedure, relevant limitations and aftercare before starting.
Prepare the tooth
Local anaesthetic can be used where appropriate. The tooth is isolated, and decay or damaged filling material is removed only as far as clinically required.
Place and shape the filling
The tooth is prepared for bonding. Tooth-coloured composite resin is placed and shaped to restore the affected area.
Finishing and aftercare
The filling is polished and the bite checked, with adjustments made where needed. Your dentist explains how to care for the tooth.
White Filling Care
Ongoing Care for Your White Fillings
Fillings and surrounding teeth can change with use. Daily cleaning and check-ups at intervals suited to your needs help your dentist monitor the repair.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth as your dental team advises.
- Food, drinks, tobacco and surface wear can change a filling’s appearance.
- Arrange a review for a high or rough filling, food trapping, or ongoing sensitivity or pain.
- Fillings are not permanent: polishing, patching or replacement may be needed depending on the filling and the tooth beneath it.
Related Care
If the Tooth Needs Something Different
An assessment may identify a need for monitoring or care beyond a white filling. These services may be discussed according to the tooth’s condition and your symptoms.
Fees, Health Funds, Payment Options
Helpful
FAQs
Common Questions About White Fillings
Straight answers to the questions patients ask most. Advice for your tooth depends on an examination.
No. A white filling may suit a small to moderate repair, but the decision depends on the remaining tooth structure, repair size, symptoms and bite. A larger restoration, further assessment or monitoring may be more appropriate. Your dentist will explain the options after examining the tooth.
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