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Paediatric Dentistry · Berala

Cavity Removal & Kids' Fillings

Gentle treatment to clean out a cavity and rebuild the tooth — often without a needle.

Often no needle Tooth-coloured Bulk-billed under Medicare CDBS*
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What is a kids' filling?

When a small cavity forms, we gently remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill the space with a tooth-coloured material to restore its shape and strength. For small cavities it’s often done without a needle, and a well-cared-for filling typically lasts around 3–5 years.

Remove decayWe gently clean the decayed part out of the cavity before rebuilding the tooth.
Tooth-colouredThe filling material is matched to the tooth, so it blends in naturally.
Often no needleFor small cavities a local anaesthetic is often not needed at all.
Lasts 3–5 yrsA well-cared-for filling typically lasts around 3–5 years with good oral hygiene.

When is a filling right — and when is more needed?

A filling is the gentlest fix for small-to-moderate decay: we clean out the cavity and rebuild the tooth in one easy visit. When decay is larger or has spread across several surfaces — or a filling keeps chipping — wrapping the whole tooth with a stainless steel crown is usually more reliable. If decay has reached the nerve inside the tooth, the kindest fix is usually a pulpotomy. We’ll always explain the gentlest suitable option first.

Matching the treatment to the tooth:

  • Small-to-moderate decay → a tooth-coloured filling
  • Large or multi-surface decay → a stainless steel crown
  • A filling that keeps chipping or falling out → a crown
  • Decay that has reached the nerve → a pulpotomy
Calm, step by step

The gentle filling process

We keep things relaxed and explain each step in plain words your child can follow. For most small cavities the whole thing is done comfortably in a single visit.

Step 1 · only if needed

Numb the tooth, if it’s needed

For many small cavities no numbing is needed at all. If the tooth does need a little numbing, we use a gentle approach and explain it first, so there are no surprises.

Step 2 · clean it out

Remove the decay

We carefully clean the decayed part out of the cavity, leaving behind healthy tooth to build on.

Step 3 · prepare

Clean and dry the area

The space is cleaned and dried so the new filling bonds well and seals the tooth properly.

Step 4 · rebuild

Place and shape the tooth-coloured filling

We fill the space with a tooth-coloured material, then shape it to match the tooth so it looks and feels natural.

Step 5 · finish

Check the bite

We check that your child’s bite feels comfortable and even, making any small adjustments before they head home.

Some deeper cavities need a little numbing, and where decay has reached the nerve the kindest fix is usually a pulpotomy then a crown. We’ll always explain the gentlest option first, with no pressure.

Making a filling last

A few simple habits help a filling last well. Brushing morning and night, and coming in for a 6-monthly check-up & clean, let us keep an eye on the filling and catch any new decay early.

With good oral hygiene, a tooth-coloured filling typically lasts around 3–5 years — often seeing the baby tooth through until the adult tooth is ready to come through.

Medicare CDBS

Are kids' fillings bulk-billed?

Yes — for children who are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), fillings are bulk-billed, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost to you for that treatment. CDBS gives eligible children up to $1,158 in dental benefits over two calendar years, and Medicare pays the clinic directly.

Not sure if your child qualifies? It only takes a moment to find out.

Check eligibilitySee our fees

*Eligibility is set by Medicare and changes from time to time. We’ll always confirm your child’s eligibility with you before treatment.

Related children’s dental care at Berala

Fillings are one part of keeping your child’s smile healthy. These services often go hand-in-hand:

Paediatric Dentistry hubAll of our gentle children’s dental careFriendly check-up & cleanThe 6-monthly visit that prevents most cavitiesPulpotomy (baby tooth nerve care)When decay has reached the nerveStainless steel crownsFor larger decay a filling can’t hold
Parents often ask

Kids' fillings FAQs

Does my child need a needle for a filling? +

Often not. For small cavities a filling can usually be done without any numbing at all. If a tooth does need a little numbing, we use a gentle approach and explain it first, so your child knows what to expect.

How long do kids' fillings last? +

With good oral hygiene, a tooth-coloured filling typically lasts around 3–5 years. Brushing morning and night and 6-monthly check-ups help it last well.

White or silver fillings? +

We use tooth-coloured (white) filling material, which is matched to the tooth so it blends in naturally. For larger decay where a filling won’t hold, a stainless steel crown is usually the more reliable choice.

What if the cavity is deep or near the nerve? +

Some deeper cavities need a little numbing first. Where decay has reached the nerve inside the tooth, the kindest fix is usually a pulpotomy, often followed by a crown. We’ll always explain the gentlest suitable option before we start.

Will the filling fall out? +

A well-placed filling on small-to-moderate decay is designed to stay put. If a filling on a larger or multi-surface cavity keeps chipping or coming loose, wrapping the whole tooth with a stainless steel crown is usually more reliable.

Is it bulk-billed under CDBS? +

For eligible children, yes — fillings are bulk-billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, with no out-of-pocket cost for that treatment. You can check your child’s eligibility in a moment.

Spotted a cavity, or due for a check?

Bring your child in for a gentle look. We’ll explain the kindest option in plain language — whether that’s a filling, keeping an eye on it, or something more.

Book onlineMessage on WhatsAppCall (02) 9649 6468

Berala Dental · 184 Woodburn Rd, Berala NSW 2141 · caring for local families since 2002