Dental Fillings in South Perth

Tooth decay and minor damage are common, but they don’t have to lead to more extensive treatment. At Mends Street Dental a long-established practice at 27 Mends Street, South Perth, just across the Swan River from the Perth CBD we provide durable, natural-looking fillings to restore damaged teeth, relieve discomfort and help protect your smile. Fillings are one of the most routine parts of what we do, for patients of all ages across South Perth and Kensington from a child’s first small cavity through to replacing an older filling in an adult tooth.

Whether you have a new cavity, a chipped tooth or an old filling that needs replacing, our experienced team will recommend the most suitable treatment to restore the health, strength and appearance of your tooth.

What is a dental filling?

A dental filling is a restorative treatment used to repair a tooth damaged by decay, wear or minor fractures. After removing the damaged portion of the tooth, your dentist fills the space with a strong restorative material to rebuild the tooth’s structure and help prevent further decay. Modern tooth-coloured fillings are carefully matched to your natural teeth, providing a restoration that is both durable and natural in appearance.

When might you need a dental filling?

Fillings are commonly recommended when a tooth has been affected by early decay or minor damage. You may benefit from a filling if you experience tooth sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods, pain or discomfort when biting or chewing, a visible cavity or hole, a chipped, cracked or worn tooth, a damaged or worn filling needing replacement, or food frequently becoming trapped between teeth. In some cases, decay develops without noticeable symptoms which is why regular check-ups matter, as they allow your dentist to detect cavities early before they become larger problems.

Signs you may have tooth decay

Tooth decay doesn’t always cause pain straight away, so early diagnosis is important to help preserve your natural tooth and avoid more complex treatment. Common signs include persistent tooth sensitivity, toothache, dark spots or staining on a tooth, pain when eating sweet foods, visible holes or pits, and rough or broken areas on the tooth surface. If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s worth arranging a dental examination as soon as you can.

Why choose Mends Street Dental for your fillings in South Perth

Mends Street Dental is a long-established South Perth practice with an experienced, multidisciplinary team and a reputation built largely on patient referrals and long-term relationships. We use modern techniques and quality restorative materials to provide fillings that are durable, natural looking and designed to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible, and we maintain high sterilisation and infection control standards throughout. Fillings sit within general dentistry, so they can be provided by our dentists as part of your overall care, and our oral health therapist, Kinga Haynes, whose confirmed scope includes fillings, may also carry them out.

We take the time to explain your options, answer your questions and help you feel comfortable at each stage. Because fillings are sometimes needed at short notice once decay is picked up, our later appointments on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (until 6pm) and Saturday morning availability (8am–1pm) make it easier to get in sooner rather than waiting through ongoing sensitivity. We’re open Monday to Saturday and closed Sundays.

What happens during a dental filling?

A filling is a straightforward procedure that can often be completed in a single appointment. Your treatment will typically involve:

Examination. Your dentist examines the affected tooth and may take digital X-rays to determine the extent of the decay or damage.

Removing the decay. The damaged or decayed portion is carefully removed while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

Restoring the tooth. The cleaned tooth is restored using a tooth coloured filling material, shaped and polished to blend with your surrounding teeth. Your bite is checked to make sure the filling feels comfortable and functions normally.

Types of dental fillings we offer

Several filling materials are available depending on the location of the tooth and your clinical needs. Your dentist may recommend tooth-coloured composite resin fillings, glass ionomer fillings in selected situations, or other restorative materials where clinically appropriate. Composite fillings are a popular choice because they closely match the natural colour of your teeth while providing good strength and durability.

How long do dental fillings last?

The lifespan of a filling depends on several factors, including its size and location, the material used and your oral hygiene habits. With good care and regular check-ups, many fillings last for years before needing repair or replacement. Your dentist will monitor your fillings during routine examinations to make sure they continue to protect your teeth effectively.

Caring for your dental fillings

Looking after your fillings is simple and helps them last. We recommend brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, limiting sugary foods and drinks, avoiding chewing hard objects such as ice or pens, and keeping up regular check-ups and cleans. Good oral hygiene also helps prevent new cavities developing around existing fillings.

Can you eat after a filling?

In most cases you can return to eating shortly after your appointment, though your dentist may suggest waiting until any local anaesthetic has worn off to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. A composite (tooth-coloured) filling hardens immediately using a curing light, so you can usually resume normal eating relatively quickly. Your dentist will provide personalised aftercare instructions based on your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions