DENTAL | FILLINGS

Stopping Tooth Decay With Aesthetic White Fillings

White fillings, or composites, use the latest bonding technology to build up existing teeth and restore them to their original form and function. Created from a plastic and glass resin, white fillings consist of a mouldable material that fits into the contours of your tooth – so less drilling is required to remove decay than you would need for a traditional metal filling. White fillings give results that are natural-looking and hardly noticeable in the mouth – so they can also be used as a cosmetic treatment to replace old amalgam fillings and transform a “shadowed smile”.

before 2after

Reasons For Needing A Filling

The most common reason for needing a filling is to repair a tooth damaged by decay. It’s not just for tooth decay that fillings are used as a treatment. They can also be used to repair a cracked or broken tooth, or one that is worn down – for example, from excessive grinding.

Decay is caused by bacteria feeding on bits of food unreached by cleaning. It can become extensive before you notice it or feel any pain from it. Your teeth should be regularly checked for signs of decay, so any decay can be dealt with as early as possible.


As a tooth decays, a cavity, which is effectively a hole, forms. If the cavity resulting from tooth decay is left unfilled, the decay spreads further and can cause significant pain and, ultimately, the loss of the tooth altogether. By filling a tooth, the spread of decay, and any associated pain, is stopped, and the tooth can function normally again.

Getting A Filling Fitted

We create fillings with excellent function and aesthetics. They are sculpted to recreate the original tooth shape and strength using ceramic or composite materials. We use layering techniques for our composite restorations to mimic natural tooth structure, shade and light reflection.


The first stage in the dental filling process is to numb the area around the tooth using a local anesthesia. This will prevent you feeling any pain whilst the procedure is carried out. Next, using dental tools, we will remove decay and/or fix the damaged area, then add a strong, tooth like, composite material and shape it to match surrounding teeth. The procedure typically takes around 30 minutes in total.


All our work is to the highest standard using the highest quality materials. Fillings normally last for 5-15 years, depending on your eating and oral hygiene habits, after which they may need to be replaced, if they’ve become worn, cracked or discolored.


As an alternative to fillings, to improve the appearance of damaged teeth, veneers, crowns, implants and bridges are alternatives. We will discuss the options with you and advise on what we think is the best course of treatment based on your specific circumstances.


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