Are tooth coloured fillings strong?

Yes. Modern day composites are very durable

How long do fillings last?

Often many years, depending on your bite and oral hygiene

Should I replace my old silver fillings?

Only if they are broken, leaking or decayed underneath. We will tell you honestly at your checkup

Why do I need a filling if it doesn’t hurt?

Early cavities rarely hurt. Waiting until they do often means a root canal instead of a simple filling.

Dental Fillings

Tooth-coloured restorations that repair decayed portions of the tooth and save you from bigger treatment later.

What is it?

A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay or a small fracture. We remove the decayed part and rebuild the tooth with a strong, tooth-coloured material that's matched to your natural shade. Treating a cavity early is quick and simple, and can save the tooth from needing a root canal or extraction.

Do you need it?

You may benefit if you notice:

Sensitivity to sweets, cold and hot food
A visible hole or dark spot or rough edge on a tooth
Food getting stuck between particular teeth
A chipped tooth or an old filling that is broken or worn
A cavity spotted at your regular check up or on an X-ray

Step by step

What happens during treatment

1
Diagnosis
Examination and if needed an X-ray to see how deep the decay goes.
2
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia is given for your comfort, to prevent sensitivity and pain while the decay is cleaned out
3
Removing decay
The decay is gently cleaned, checking carefully at each step so the margins are clean and clear. We do this under magnification.
4
Filling the tooth
A tooth coloured filling material sometimes with a regenerative material is placed in layers to give the tooth back its form and function.
5
Shaping and polishing
The filling is adjusted so that your bite feels natural and the filled portion looks indistinguishable from the natural tooth.

Visits

1 (2 if a regenerative cement is used)

Duration

30–60 minutes

Comfort

Low discomfort

Usually painless. Some temporary sensitivity to cold for a few days can happen with deeper fillings.

Aftercare

Avoid chewing until numbness wears off
Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal
Tell us if your bite feels high because a quick adjustment fixes it
Cut down on sugary snacks and brush with fluoride toothpaste to prevent new cavities