Fill in the holes or gaps in your teeth caused by decay, broken, or damaged teeth.
You may need a dental filling if you have a hole that’s formed in your tooth called a cavity, or if you have chipped or damaged the tooth in some way.
Your dentist will check for tooth damage and cavities during your regular check-ups, however you may suspect you have the need for a filling if the tooth is feeling sensitive or you’ve experienced trauma to the tooth.
It’s important to get the affected tooth treated as early as possible to prevent the damage or cavity getting worse and avoid further problems such as fractures, infections, bad breath, or even the loss of your tooth.
Your dentist will be able to evaluate the work needed in preparation for your filling, this may include the need to drill the tooth to remove decay.
There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Composite:
Dental Composite fillings are tooth-coloured fillings that are designed to match the colour of your own teeth. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. Our dentists will help you choose a shade to match your own teeth, although over time, staining is a possibility.
Glass Ionomer:
Glass ionomer filling can form chemical links with the tooth and release fluoride, which helps to prevent further tooth decay. This type of filling is fairly weak, so we would usually only use these on primary teeth (baby teeth) and ´non-biting´ surfaces such as around the ‘neck’ of the teeth.
For more information regarding this treatment give us a call, 020 4541 1150 and we will be more than happy to assist you in any way.
Most commonly fillings are used to fill cavities in the teeth, but they can sometimes be used to repair chips, cracks, and fractures.
In preparation for your treatment your dentists will numb your teeth and the surrounding areas including the gums and skin to avoid discomfort.
Any decay in the tooth will be drilled out and then the hole filled with the filling. Administering the filling itself will only take a few minutes, but depending on the work needed to prep the tooth will determine the length of the treatment.
After your treatment you may find your mouth will remain numb for a few more hours. If this lasts longer than a few hours consult your dentist.
If you have amalgam (silver) fillings, it may be worth getting these replaced with longer-lasting composite teeth fillings as soon as they become cracked or worn out; unfortunately this can happen over long periods of time.
• White dental filling can stop the progression of decay building in the tooth.
• It can restore the tooth to its normal function and appearance.
• It can improve the structure of a tooth that is fragile due to a cavity or damage.
• A filling can strengthen a fractured tooth that may have been caused by an accident or chewing on something hard.
• Composite fillings front teeth will blend with the colour of your tooth, so you can feel confident in your smile.
• Cosmetic filling procedures may make your teeth seem better and enhance their function which consists of different materials based on your tooth location.
Whether you have a new cavity that needs repairing, a cracked or fractured tooth, or would just like to improve your smile by replacing existing metal fillings, our friendly and experienced team would be delighted to help. We offer superb, natural looking fillings that match your natural tooth shade, allowing you to show off your smile with confidence.
Ideal for filling small cavities or single chips of the tooth.
Book ConsultationFor slightly larger cavities, cracks and damage to 2 areas.
Book ConsultationFor large cavities and damage to several areas of the tooth or teeth.
Book ConsultationSilver fillings are the most common type of filling, which is usually cost-effective for patients. It's always a good idea to replace them as soon as they become cracked or worn out; unfortunately this can happen over long periods of time. A composite filling would generally be recommended at that point since it will last longer and won't need replacement due to wear and tear like silver does.
Composite resin is a wonderful material for fixing chips and other aesthetic problems in the teeth. It can also be used to mend enamel damage or discolouration and fill gaps that occur from wear-and-tear of the tooth surface over time. Bonding, which uses composite as well, may help fix these issues with minimal fuss!
Composite fillings never cause sensitivity, but you can still feel some sensations. You can drink hot or cold drinks and not have discomfort because of the filling material in your mouth.
Composite fillings can take around an hour, depending on the individual needs of the patient.
Dental filling recovery depends on the size of the cavity. You should be able to eat after a procedure without discomfort, but wait for a few hours before you do so just in case your body needs time to get used to feeling again and waiting also gives that anaesthesia chance wear off too which could cause soreness afterwards, each person’s experience will differ though! We'll give advice on what's best for you as we know how important it is not only being pain free now but having good dental health habits into the future.
Composite fillings should remain “tooth coloured” for a long time, if not for the life of the filling itself.
There are many options for dental fillings, silver amalgam and tooth coloured composite being the most popular. Dentists can also use gold, ceramic or glass as an alternative to traditional materials.