Fillings can repair light damage, whether caused through tooth decay or through an accident. We provide tooth-coloured fillings which are a much more cosmetic treatment compared to the metal alternative. Made from dental composite, these white fillings blend beautifully with your teeth, looking just like the real thing. As composite is built in layers on your natural tooth, there is no need to remove any enamel from your tooth to accommodate the filling. We can also replace any existing metal fillings with the tooth-coloured alternative, leaving you feeling more confident about your smile.

How is a tooth filled?

  • The area to be treated is numbed with a local anaesthetic and the decayed part of the tooth removed.
  • A gel is applied to the tooth, creating tiny holes to allow the composite material to bond effectively.
  • The acidic gel is washed away and the tooth dried.
  • A priming agent is applied so the composite filling will form a strong bond.
  • The colour matched shade of composite is then applied in layers and moulded to match the shape of the tooth.
  • The resin is hardened with a special bright light and it is then polished to look like a natural part of the tooth.

Looking after your filled teeth

To prevent decay forming around the composite filling, it is important to brush at least twice a day and see your dentist for regular check-ups.

Frequently Asked Question

How should I look after my treated tooth?

Treat your filled tooth just like the rest of your natural teeth. Make sure you keep up with an effective oral hygiene routine at home, including brushing and flossing twice a day, to avoid decay.

Are fillings painful?

We use local anaesthetic to minimise any discomfort, and take care when removing decay and placing the amalgam or composite in your tooth. Composite fillings in particular are pain free. Most patients feel a sense of relief following a filling, as the pain they were feeling due to tooth decay has been successfully eliminated.

Should I have my amalgam fillings replaced with composite?

If your amalgam filling is intact and still providing an effective repair, there is no need to replace it. However, if you are concerned about the mercury in your amalgam filling, or are looking for a more aesthetic alternative, we can replace it with natural looking composite.

Will amalgam fillings in my back teeth be able to be seen?

Yes, as they are silver, amalgam fillings do stand out against your white teeth and are able to be seen when you smile or laugh. If aesthetics are particularly important to you, we recommend you choose a composite filling.

Do composite fillings look natural?

Yes, the composite material is colour-matched to the shade of your teeth. This makes your filling look more natural. It blends seamlessly with your existing teeth, is securely bonded into place, and other people will not be able to tell you have a filling.

Can my filling be repaired if it gets damaged?

Composite fillings are very easy to repair if they become damaged or chipped. As the composite material is able to bond to itself, small areas can be quickly repaired. For larger damage, we may choose to remove the filling entirely and replace it. Amalgam fillings can also be repaired, but we may suggest having the filling removed and replaced with composite instead.

Could my filling fall out?

Yes, fillings are not permanent and can fall out, especially if they are quite old. If your filling falls out, please contact us as soon as you can to make an appointment for a replacement.