Fillings & Restorations

Here at Cotton Tree Dental, we believe that prevention is better than cure when it comes to looking after the health of your teeth and gums.

However, should you have a tooth that develops tooth decay, or a tooth or filling has broken away, we can provide you with a range of options to ensure your teeth are restored to their natural shape and function.

Fillings are used to repair the damaged tooth, whilst also preventing more bacteria from entering. We offer a range of filling materials to best suit your needs, such as composite resin (tooth-coloured fillings), amalgam (silver fillings), and glass-ionomer cement (GIC).

Types of Fillings

Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin is a commonly used filling material that is matched to the natural colour of your teeth. This material in “glued” onto the surface of your tooth and shaped to match your tooth’s original form. The finished results of these fillings are durable, and best of all they are made to look exactly like your natural tooth!

Glass Ionomer Fillings
This filling material is made up of acrylic acids and fine glass, and can be applied to areas of teeth with little to no drilling or preparation needed. These fillings are well suited for gum line areas.

Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam, also known as silver fillings, are an extremely durable and long-lasting filling material. Due to its silver colour and strength, it is primarily used on the biting surface of teeth towards the back on the mouth.

Each filling material has benefits and limitations, so some types may be a better option for you, depending on the situation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I see the dentist?

We recommend 6 monthly visits to help maintain your teeth and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Regular preventative and maintenance examinations allows us to diagnose any dental conditions that may arise, and when picked up early enough means that treatment is much simpler and less costly.

How can I improve my oral hygiene?

To ensure your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible, we recommend regular check ups, along with flossing and brushing twice daily. Limiting the use of mouthrinses, sugary foods, and tobacco products will contribute to maintenance of good oral hygiene.

What is included in a check up and clean?


The purpose of these appointments is to prevent any dental conditions and maintain the health of your teeth. We assess your medical history and discuss any problems or concerns that you may have with your dental health. Next we assess your teeth, gums and all areas of the mouth to ensure they are healthy. A thorough scale and clean will be done, followed by fluoride treatment. X-rays may also be taken at your initial visit with us, which are then updated every two years after that.

If I have a tooth ache or broken a tooth outside of your business hours, what should I do?

If you are having problems or concerns with your teeth, please call the practice and leave a message with your name and contact details, and our friendly staff will return your call the following business day. We can provide our patients with same day appointments for all tooth related emergencies. In the meantime, it is important to try and avoid the area as much as possible, including eating or drinking any hot or cold items as they may make your symptoms worse.

I have private health insurance, how do I claim my treatment?

Here at Cotton Tree Dental, we support a variety of health funds, and are also preferred providers for BUPA and HCF. For your convenience, we have HICAPS terminals to make instant claims. We simply swipe your health fund card, authorise the claim and the gap can then be paid either by cash, card, or cheque.