Natural-Looking Tooth Fillings
Dental filling: a tooth-coloured material used to repair a decayed, chipped or worn tooth and restore its strength and shape. At Dentistry on Solent in Bella Vista, we place long-lasting, natural-looking fillings for adults and children across the Hills District.
Contact us if you have any more questions!
About Dr Sejal Rai
As a University of Sydney graduate, Dr Rai has a diverse background. After growing up in central Africa and completing her secondary education and Bachelor’s degree in the US, she is well positioned to treat a wide variety of multicultural patients. With a keen eye for precision and great chairside manner, she is described by her patients as being caring, kind and totally committed to patient care.
Away from the practice, Dr Rai loves spending quality time with her 3 children and this allows her to treat children and special needs patients with an unparalleled level of ease. In addition, her focus and passion for helping adults achieve their perfect smile is a great motivator and is what keeps her at the forefront of modern dentistry in Bella Vista.
Fast answers (good for quick scans)
- When you might need one: sensitivity to cold or sweet, food catching, a visible hole or chip, or pain when biting.
- Common materials: tooth-coloured composite resin (most common) and ceramic (porcelain) inlays/onlays for larger areas.
- Comfort: we use local anaesthetic; most patients feel only pressure and vibration, not pain. Sedation is available if you’re anxious.
- Visit length: many small fillings take 30–45 minutes; larger or multiple fillings take longer.
- Longevity: composites often last 5–12+ years; ceramics can last 10–15+ with great care.
- Cost (guide only): small composite from $180–$280; medium $250–$380; large $350–$550; ceramic inlay/onlay $900–$1,600. Fixed quotes follow an exam.
- Health funds: most extras policies cover fillings under “General Dental” (waiting periods, limits and gaps vary by fund).
What are dental fillings?
A dental filling replaces tooth structure lost to decay, wear or minor fractures. After removing the softened area and cleaning the cavity, we bond a restorative material to rebuild the tooth’s form and function so you can bite, chew and smile confidently.
What are dental fillings made of?
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Composite resin (white fillings). A blend of resin and glass particles that bonds to enamel and dentine, letting us keep preparations conservative and colour-match to your tooth.
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Ceramic (porcelain) inlays/onlays. Custom restorations for larger defects where extra strength, wear resistance and aesthetics are important.
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Replacing older metal fillings. If an existing amalgam is cracked, leaking or unaesthetic, we can replace it with a modern tooth-coloured option following a clinical assessment.
Do I need a filling — or something else?
Fillings are ideal for small-to-moderate cavities and chips. If the tooth is heavily cracked or more than ~50% of the biting surface is compromised, a dental crown may be a better long-term solution. If decay has reached the nerve, root canal treatment may be required first, then a definitive restoration. We’ll explain your options chair-side with photos and X-rays.
How we place a filling (step-by-step)
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Diagnosis & quote. Clinical exam and X-rays, plus your options and fees.
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Numbing for comfort. Local anaesthetic as needed; we also offer sedation if you’re very anxious.
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Decay removal & cleaning. Conservative preparation to preserve healthy enamel and dentine.
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Bonding & layering. Composite is placed in small layers and light-cured; ceramics are bonded with adhesive cements.
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Shaping & bite check. We adjust your bite so it feels “normal” and polish for a smooth, glossy finish.
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Aftercare guidance. What to expect once the numbness wears off and how to look after the tooth.
Do dental fillings hurt?
With local anaesthetic, most patients feel little to no pain, just vibration and pressure. Some mild, transient sensitivity to cold or biting is normal for a few days. Tell us if you’re nervous; options like laughing gas or IV sedation (for suitable cases) can make treatment feel much easier.
Are fillings “general dental”?
Yes. Fillings are considered part of General Dentistry, which includes exams, X-rays, cleans, fluoride and simple extractions. They’re routine day-to-day care to restore and protect teeth.
Does private health insurance cover dental fillings?
Most Australian extras (ancillary) policies reimburse part of the fee for general dental fillings. Your gap depends on item numbers, rebate percentages, annual limits, waiting periods and whether you’ve reached your yearly cap. We can provide itemised estimates you can check with your fund before treatment.
When a filling may not be enough
Large fractures, deep cracks, or decay involving the nerve may require root canal therapy followed by a crown to strengthen the tooth long-term. We’ll talk you through the pros, cons and costs so you can choose the most durable option for your situation.
Serving Bella Vista & the Hills District
We welcome patients from Norwest, Kellyville, Baulkham Hills, Rouse Hill, Castle Hill, Beaumont Hills, Dural, Glenhaven, Kenthurst, Box Hill, North Kellyville, Glenwood, Stanhope Gardens and Kings Langley.
People Also Ask (PAA)
What are dental fillings?
A treatment that removes decay and replaces it with a tooth-coloured material to restore shape, strength and function.
What are dental fillings made of?
Mostly composite resin; larger cases may use ceramic inlays/onlays for added strength and wear resistance.
Do dental fillings hurt?
We numb the area first; most patients feel only pressure. Sedation options are available if you’re anxious.
How long do dental fillings last?
Composite 5–12+ years; ceramics 10–15+ years, depending on size, bite forces and oral hygiene.
How much do dental fillings cost?
Guide: $180–$550 for composite depending on size; $900–$1,600 for ceramics. You’ll receive a fixed quote after an exam.
Does private health insurance cover dental fillings?
Usually, under extras for general dental, subject to waiting periods, annual limits and item numbers.
Ready to book your dental filling appointment?
Book your appointment online or 📞 Call our friendly team today on (02) 9158 6137 to arrange your consultation and find the best solution for your oral health.

