Fillings

 

Fillings are used to repair cavities that have formed due to tooth decay or damage. There

are different different types of filling materials available, each suitable for different cavities.

 

What to expect

 

You will usually have a local anaesthetic to completely numb the area while the filling is carried

out. The numbness can last several hours.

 

The decayed parts of the tooth will be removed using small diamond drills and the cavity

cleaned until only healthy tooth substance remains.

 

If the cavity has spread to a wall of the tooth a band will be secured around the tooth to hold the

filling material in the correct shape.

 

The filling material will be packed in and hardens within minutes or sometimes a blue light will

be used to set it.

 

Amalgam Fillings

 

Amalgam fillings consist of a mixture of metals including

silver, tin, copper and mercury. Amalgam is extremely

durable therefore will last a long time. However, over a

period of time the amalgam expands and in doing so

can cause hair line cracks in the tooth resulting in sensitivity

and often further treatment.

 

White Fillings

 

White fillings are a natural looking alternative and can be

made from composite or glass ionomer. They are not as durable as amalgam but can be easily ‘topped up’ and

have no adverse long term effects as the filling is repaired rather then the tooth. White fillings are more expensive than amalgam fillings but can often prove more cost effective in the long term.