Assessment for cavities, sensitivity, damaged fillings and teeth that may need restoration.
Tooth decay can progress before it causes obvious pain. Assessment helps determine how far it has reached, how much healthy tooth remains and whether a tooth-coloured filling or another restorative pathway may be more appropriate.
A $50 deposit may be required when booking. Treatment suitability, restoration type, risks, costs and longevity vary between patients.
Bacteria use fermentable carbohydrates to produce acids that weaken tooth structure. The treatment decision depends on the depth and location of the decay, symptoms, existing restorations and the strength of the remaining tooth.
The size, depth and location of decay affect whether a filling may be suitable.
Changes can develop between teeth or beneath a restoration without obvious pain.
Cold, sweet or biting sensitivity can have more than one cause.
A larger cavity may need more support than a direct filling can provide.
Decay can begin in enamel, between teeth or around an existing restoration before noticeable symptoms develop.
Sensitivity or pain can suggest a problem, but examination and imaging may be needed to determine how far it has progressed.
The dentist considers cavity size, cracks, previous fillings and bite forces when deciding whether a direct filling is suitable.
Deeper decay can affect the pulp and change the treatment pathway.
Large old fillings, cracks or thin walls can reduce support.
Location, moisture control and bite forces affect material selection.
A cavity is assessed in the context of the whole tooth. Depth, position, symptoms, previous dental work and functional load all influence the recommendation.
The closer decay is to the pulp, the greater the chance that symptoms, staged treatment or another pathway may need discussion.
Thin walls, cracks and large previous fillings can make the tooth less suitable for a direct filling alone.
Decay between teeth, near the gumline or beneath a restoration can require different techniques and materials.
Tooth position, grinding and the load placed on the restoration affect material choice and expected maintenance.
The appointment is designed to confirm the diagnosis, determine whether the tooth can be restored and explain the reasonable treatment options before care proceeds.
Check the cavity, existing filling, surrounding gums and bite.
Assess hidden decay and areas that cannot be seen directly.
Discuss the restoration, alternatives, stages and estimated fees.
Discuss sensitivity, pain, food trapping, broken restorations and previous treatment involving the tooth.
The dentist checks the cavity, restoration margins, cracks, gums and how the tooth contacts during biting.
X-rays may help assess decay between teeth, beneath fillings and near the pulp or root.
Review the recommended restoration, alternatives, risks, likely stages, maintenance and estimated fees.
Composite resin is placed in layers and matched to a natural tooth shade. Suitability depends on the cavity, moisture control, remaining tooth structure and the forces placed on the restoration.
A tooth-coloured filling may suit selected cavities where enough sound tooth remains.
The affected area is cleaned and prepared conservatively where possible.
Composite is shaped to support function and cleaning between teeth.
The restoration is finished, polished and adjusted where required.
Decayed or unsupported tooth structure is removed while preserving sound structure where clinically possible.
Composite resin is bonded and shaped to restore contour, contact with neighbouring teeth and function.
The bite is checked, the restoration is polished and aftercare and maintenance advice are provided.
An onlay or crown may be discussed where a direct filling cannot provide enough support.
Root canal treatment, extraction or referral may be considered if the pulp is affected.
A direct filling is one option, not the default for every cavity. The recommendation should reflect the disease depth, tooth strength and expected functional load.
May be discussed when a large cavity, crack or previous restoration has weakened the tooth and more coverage is required.
May be considered when the pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected and the tooth remains suitable to restore.
May be discussed where the tooth cannot be predictably restored, complexity is higher or another pathway is preferred.
Ask how much sound tooth remains, why the recommended restoration is suitable, what alternatives exist and what maintenance or replacement may be expected.
Contact the clinic if symptoms increase, persist or affect biting.
Follow chewing advice and maintain brushing and interdental cleaning.
Brush twice daily and spit rather than rinsing immediately afterward.
How often teeth are exposed matters, not only the total amount consumed.
Floss or interdental brushes help reach areas a toothbrush misses.
Filling longevity and future decay risk are influenced by cavity size, bite forces, oral hygiene, fluoride exposure, diet, dry mouth, grinding and regular reviews.
Some temporary sensitivity can occur. Contact the clinic if pain increases, persists or the tooth feels uncomfortable when biting.
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and follow any personalised fluoride advice provided by the dentist.
Frequent snacking and sipping repeatedly expose teeth to acid-producing conditions, even when individual portions are small.
Clean between teeth and attend recommended reviews so filling margins, new decay and bite-related wear can be monitored.
Costs can vary with the tooth, cavity size, diagnostic records, material, complexity and whether a filling or another restoration is recommended. An estimate can be provided before treatment proceeds.
The $199 New Patient Offer covers its listed examination, cleaning and X-ray inclusions. Fillings and other restorative treatment are quoted separately.
Address: Shop F, On Q Plaza, 1 Queens Rd, Everton Hills QLD 4053
Phone: 07 3354 1448
Filling fees depend on the tooth, cavity size, material and complexity. The $199 New Patient Offer covers its listed examination, cleaning and X-ray inclusions; restorative treatment is quoted separately.
Shop F, On Q Plaza, 1 Queens Rd, Everton Hills QLD 4053.
Mon 8am–7pm · Tue 8am–5pm · Wed 9am–7pm · Thu–Fri 8am–4pm · Weekend closed.
Early decay may not cause symptoms. As it progresses, you may notice sensitivity, pain, food trapping, rough edges, staining or a visible hole. Examination and X-rays where required can help confirm the diagnosis.
No. Suitability depends on the cavity size and location, moisture control, remaining tooth structure, cracks and bite forces. A larger or weakened tooth may need another restorative option.
Local anaesthetic is commonly used where required. Some temporary sensitivity can occur after treatment. Contact the clinic if discomfort becomes more severe, persists or affects biting.
Longevity varies with the material, cavity size, tooth position, bite forces, grinding, oral hygiene, diet and maintenance. Fillings can require repair or replacement over time.
Risk can be reduced through fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth, limiting frequent sugar exposure, addressing dry mouth and attending dental reviews at an interval appropriate to your risk.
This information is general and does not replace professional dental advice. Decay depth, restoration suitability, risks, benefits, costs, maintenance and outcomes vary between patients. Your dentist will assess the tooth and explain reasonable options before treatment begins.
Book online or call Everton Hills Dental for sensitivity, a suspected cavity, a broken filling, toothache or a damaged tooth.
