Restorative Dentistry.
Somerset West.

Yes. All the restorative materials we use at Dr. Slabber's practice are tooth-coloured. Composite resin, porcelain, glass hybrid composite and zirconia are all matched to the colour of your natural teeth. In most cases a well-done restoration is not noticeable in normal conversation.

This depends on the material, the size of the filling, where it is in the mouth and how well it is cared for. Small composite fillings can last ten years or more with good oral hygiene. Porcelain and glass hybrid restorations are similarly durable. Larger fillings and those in high-stress positions tend to have a shorter lifespan and may eventually need to be replaced with a crown.

A well-fitted crown in good quality material, cared for properly, typically lasts fifteen years or more. Zirconia crowns in particular are extremely durable and often outlast other materials significantly. The lifespan of any crown depends on oral hygiene, diet, whether the patient grinds their teeth, and the quality of the fit.

In most cases, yes. Root canal treatment removes the nerve and blood supply from inside the tooth, which makes the remaining tooth structure more brittle over time. A crown protects it from fracture under normal biting forces. Whether a crown is needed immediately or can wait depends on how much tooth structure remains and which tooth is involved. Dr. Slabber will advise on the right timing at your appointment.

A filling is placed directly into the tooth in a single appointment. An inlay is fabricated outside the mouth (or in-house with CEREC) from an impression/scan and bonded in. Inlays fit more precisely, seal the margins better, and are more durable for larger restorations than a direct filling of the same size. They are typically recommended when the cavity is too large for a reliable filling but not extensive enough to require a full crown.

Yes. Old amalgam fillings can be removed and replaced with tooth-coloured restorations. Whether the replacement is a composite filling, a porcelain inlay or a crown depends on the size of the existing filling and the condition of the tooth underneath. Dr. Slabber will assess the tooth and give you a clear recommendation.

This is determined by how much of the tooth has been affected by decay or damage. As a general rule, if less than half of the tooth structure has been lost, a filling is usually appropriate. If more has been lost, a crown provides better long-term protection. Cracks and teeth that have had root canal treatment are also typically crowned regardless of how much structure remains. The only reliable way to know is a clinical examination.

The procedure itself should not be painful. Local anaesthetic is used before any preparation work, and Dr. Slabber makes sure the area is properly anaesthetised before starting. Some sensitivity and mild discomfort after the anaesthetic wears off is normal and settles within a few days for most patients.

The same way you care for natural teeth. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular check-ups. For bridges, flossing underneath the pontic is important to keep the gum tissue healthy. For patients who grind their teeth, a night guard can protect both natural teeth and restorations from excessive wear.