Dental Fillings in Brisbane: What Are Your Options and How Long Do They Last?

A dental filling is a tooth restoration used to repair a cavity (decay), a crack, or a chipped tooth surface. When tooth decay is removed, the gap needs to be sealed  both to restore the tooth's function and to prevent bacteria from re-entering. Fillings do exactly that. 

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental conditions in Australia. The good news is that modern fillings are more discreet, durable, and comfortable than ever before. But with a few different materials and approaches available, it helps to know what you're actually choosing between. 

At Aminya St Dental, we offer tooth-coloured composite resin restorations matched to your natural tooth colour, as well as amalgam where it may be the more appropriate choice. We discuss both options with you before any treatment begins.

Composite filling 

Composite fillings are now the most commonly placed filling material in dental practices. It's a plastic and glass mixture that bonds directly to tooth structure and is matched to your natural tooth colour, making it virtually invisible.

Pros:

• Natural-looking result - ideal for front teeth and visible areas

• Bonds to the tooth, which can preserve more healthy tooth structure

• Can be used for both small and moderately sized cavities

Cons:

• Can stain slightly over many years (coffee, red wine)

• May not be the most durable option for very large cavities in back teeth

If you’re wondering, ‘How long do composite fillings last?’ With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, composite fillings typically last 7-10 years, though many last considerably longer.

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Amalgam has been used in dentistry for over 150 years. It's a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper, and mercury (in a stable, bound form). While its use has declined significantly as aesthetic preferences have shifted, it remains a clinically sound option in certain situations.

Pros:

• Very durable - well-suited for large cavities in back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces

• Typically less technique-sensitive to place than composite

• Generally lower cost

Cons:

• Silver-grey in colour and visible when you open your mouth

• Requires slightly more tooth removal to place

• Some patients have personal or health-related preferences to avoid amalgam

If you’re wondering ‘How long do amalgam fillings last?’ Amalgam fillings are known for longevity commonly 10-15 years, and often much longer with proper care.

Which Is Right for You?

For most people and most cavities, tooth-coloured composite is the preferred choice; it looks natural and performs well. Amalgam may still be recommended in select cases where durability is the priority, such as a very large cavity in a back molar. Your dentist will talk through the options based on the size and location of your cavity.

Other Restoration Types Worth Knowing

For more extensive damage, a simple filling may not be sufficient. Inlays, onlays, and crowns are lab-made restorations that cover larger portions of the tooth and are made from porcelain, ceramic, or gold. These are generally more durable for heavily damaged teeth but involve additional cost and appointments.

How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost in Australia?

Filling costs in Australia vary based on the material used, the size of the cavity, and the complexity of placement. As a general guide:

Type of filling	Cost
Composite fillings	$150 -$300+ (depending on the number of surfaces involved)
Amalgam fillings	$80-$250 (per fillings)

• Health fund rebates: most extras cover dental fillings, though the rebate amount depends on your specific policy and level of cover

Aminya St dental is a HICAPS-enabled practice, so you can claim your health fund benefits on the spot. Medicare bulk billing is available for eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Read more about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CBDS) here.

Small cavities are far cheaper to treat than large ones, or the root canal treatment that may follow if decay reaches the nerve.

How Long Does a Filling Appointment Take?

A straightforward filling usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Your dentist will numb the area with local anaesthetic, remove the decay, prepare the tooth surface, place and shape the filling, and check your bite. You'll be able to eat normally once any anaesthetic has worn off, though your dentist may advise waiting a short time for composite to fully set.

Signs You Might Need a Filling

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods that lingers

• A visible dark spot or hole in a tooth

• Food consistently catching in the same spot

• A rough or jagged edge you can feel with your tongue

• Mild, localised toothache

Many small cavities have no symptoms at all, which is why regular check-ups are valuable catching decay early makes treatment simpler and less costly.

To book an appointment, call (07) 3349 7749 or book online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does getting a filling hurt? The area is numbed with local anaesthetic before treatment, so the procedure itself is not painful. You may feel some tenderness in the gum around the injection site for a day or two afterward.

Can I replace old amalgam fillings with white ones? Yes  many patients choose to replace old silver fillings with composite for aesthetic reasons. Your dentist will advise whether replacement is clinically appropriate or whether it's better to leave a well-functioning filling in place.

How do I make a filling last longer? Brush twice daily, floss regularly, avoid using your teeth as tools, wear a mouthguard if you grind at night, and attend regular check-ups so any wear or cracking is caught early.

What happens if I ignore a cavity? Decay that isn't treated will progress deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the nerve and requiring root canal treatment or in severe cases, extraction. Treating a cavity early is always the better outcome.