white-fillings

Fillings

If your tooth has been damaged by decay, we can restore its function and shape with a carefully placed filling. We use either amalgam or composite (white) fillings, to effectively mend decayed areas of tooth.

Amalgam

These traditional metal fillings provide a hard wearing and affordable solution for repairing teeth.

Composite Fillings

Made from a resilient resin that blends beautifully with your teeth, composite fillings provide a natural looking alternative to amalgam fillings.

The Treatment Process

  1. If necessary we will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area and then remove the decayed part of the tooth.
  2. We will shape and clean the area to be filled.
  3. An amalgam filling is placed within the cavity. A composite filling is applied in layers to a ‘roughened’ tooth – it is then sculpted to resemble a natural tooth and hardened with a special light, before being polished.
silver-fillings

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental fillings are a common restorative treatment used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, cracks, or other issues. They are materials that are used to fill in the cavities left behind after the removal of decayed or damaged tooth material, helping to restore the shape, function, and strength of the tooth and thus preventing further damage to the tooth.

There are several types of dental fillings, including silver amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, and gold. The choice of material will depend on a variety of factors, such as the location and extent of the damage, the patient’s preferences, and the dentist’s recommendations.

The lifespan of a dental filling depends on various factors, such as the type of filling material used, the size of the filling, the location of the filling, and the individual’s oral hygiene habits. On average, fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years.

In general, amalgam fillings can last up to 15 years, while composite resin fillings may last between 5 and 10 years.

The process of receiving a dental filling is typically not painful, as the dentist will numb the area with local anaesthesia before beginning the procedure. Some patients may experience slight discomfort or sensitivity after the filling, but this is usually temporary.

The time required to get a filling depends on the size and location of the cavity. On average, the procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

After receiving a dental filling, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy. Additionally, patients should avoid chewing on the filling for at least 24 hours after the procedure to allow it to set properly.