home
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.
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.
Amalgam Filling £25 - 45
White Filling £45 - 85
