The friendliest DENTAL TEAM in Tauranga!

White Fillings

White (composite) fillings are made of a combination of resin and filler particles. They are placed for a variety of reasons:

  • Decay
  • Broken tooth
  • Decay around an old filling
  • Chipped front tooth from an accident
  • Sealing a root filling
  • As an interim measure before a crown is placed
  • Masking a discoloured tooth

They are bonded and colour-matched to the surrounding tooth, including all front and back teeth. Back teeth are under heavier stress and load from the food you eat, so white fillings here will deteriorate faster than front teeth fillings. 

White fillings are best placed under ideal conditions such as perfect moisture control. A rubber dam, or what some patients call a blue tarpaulin or umbrella, isolates the tooth or row of teeth to allow optimal conditions for placement. This means that no water will go down your throat, only your own saliva that you naturally produce. It can improve your dental experience considerably, as you do not have to keep moving your tongue out of the way too. 

White fillings can last five years before they deteriorate and require replacement. Teeth under heavier load will break sooner than others under a lighter load.

Regular recall appointments with sequential photographs of teeth that require close monitoring, is key in diagnosing when a filling requires replacing, along with x-rays.

white fillings procedure

Local anaesthetic is placed next to the tooth requiring treatment. The tooth or row of teeth are isolated with a rubber dam. The decay or old filling is removed, and the white filling bonded into place. Increments of flowable white filling are placed 2mm at a time, then cured with a blue light to make the filling set completely. Once the anaesthetic has worn off, your tooth can be eaten on straight away.

White fillings can last five plus years before requiring replacement.

I had my first visit at Garden Dental today on recommendation from a friend. Fi made me feel very welcome and is super friendly and caring with a very down-to-earth yet professional manner. I felt quickly at ease which is just what you want when you visit the Dentist. Everyone at Gardens was in fact wonderful and friendly. I'm very happy and will definitely will be coming back :-) thanks again!!
Natalie Thompson  
I can not recomend Fiona and Vicki enough. Have always dreaded going to the dentist until these guys. Cannot stress how easy they made each appointment, they give the good drugs so you dont feel a thing. They are also lovely and friendly and always great at making you laugh. seriously cant recomend them enough : )
Ali Uden  
I have never felt so relaxed or happy about going to the dentist. Fi and Vicky are incredible and make me feel so at ease. I really wouldn’t go anywhere else!!
Sian Casserly  
What an absolutely refreshing change to go to a dentist and come out after an amazing, painless process. Have not regretted changing to Fiona and her team.
Steve Bolt  
One of the best dental experiences to date. Fi was fun and lighthearted which made for a pleasant appointment. Super gentle and checked in with me often to make sure I was ok. Can’t recommend her and her skills enough!!
Kristy Whitchelo  
Fi and Vicki you are honestly such a fantastic dental team. I have been visiting for many years now and can not speak any more highly of you both. You make my visits feel so relaxed that it doesn't feel like you are even at the dentist. Thank you girls for always looking after me, you are the best
Louise Fox  
Just recently had a cleaning & cavity filled by the lovely Fi from Gardens Dental. She is amazing and works wonders not only on your teeth but also to ensure you are comfortable and at ease during your time with her! Would highly recommend her to anyone needing a local dentist!
Jess Lowcher  
First review because I just wanted to say Fi and Vicky are honestly the best..so scared of dentists but they have made it the best experience ever. Very gentle, zero pain for multiple complicated procedures and don’t make you feel bad about not going to the dentist for ages ..they are super cool!
David Weaver  
Fiona is great to deal with and goes the extra mile, even ringing you in the evening to check that all is well. She is highly professional and a breath of fresh air. A thoroughly honest and approachable dentist.
Jez Rogers  
I had extensive work done on my lower teeth and a new top denture made. It was almost a fun experience.
Fi & Vicki are a great team, and their constant banter helped me to relax. They did so much to improve my smile and my self confidence. I highly recommend them both.
Helen Roberts