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Historically, dentists have used various materials, including gold, porcelain and amalgam, which is composed of mercury, copper, tin and zinc. Today, fillings typically consist of composite resin materials that match the colour of natural teeth. Tooth-coloured fillings are an excellent, subtle cosmetic dentistry option that enhances the appearance of decayed or damaged teeth.
What is a cavity?
Cavities are a result of tooth decay. Bacteria found naturally in your mouth feed on sugars from your food and produce an acid which slowly dissolves the tooth surface. A cavity or hole then develops giving space for more bacteria. By removing the decay and placing a filling, the decay is prevented from spreading further in the tooth and reaching the sensitive inner nerve and blood supply.
Why do I need a filling?
You may need a Filling if you:
What are my dental filling options?
There are two categories of Dental Fillings, and each offers advantages and disadvantages depending on your situation and the tooth being restored. The categories are metal and tooth-coloured fillings.
Amalgam or “silver” fillings are an alloy made from a combination of silver, tin, mercury, and copper. Although they are strong, these fillings are more noticeable and require more drilling to hold the filling in the tooth, than the other options. They are typically used in molars toward the back of the mouth.
Composite resin is the most popular type of filling material used as it can be made to match the exact colour of your existing teeth and shaped to your tooth structure. Composite is a mixture of glass and polymers. Less drilling of your tooth is required because the material bonds to the tooth surface, making it a more preservative option.
Ceramic inlays are custom made, stronger and more resistant to staining. However, the process takes longer.
What is the procedure:
A filling is a simple and common procedure that follows these steps:
What should I expect after getting a filling?
If you've had anaesthesia you may feel numb, but it should wear off within a couple of hours. Some sensitivity to hot and cold substances is normal for a couple of days. If you experience any discomfort when biting you may require an adjustment to your filling. Your dentist will give you all the aftercare instructions.
How should I care for my teeth with fillings?
We want to preserve your teeth and protect your smile. One of the ways we can do that is to prevent further dental decay.
Continue to practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth as normal.
Visit your dentist and hygienist at least twice a year for regular oral exams and professional cleanings.
At Platinum Dental Care we are committed to helping you protect your teeth and to keeping them healthy.
What are tooth-coloured fillings made of?
Tooth-coloured fillings consist of a mixture of acrylic resin, powdered glass and a setting agent. The composite is versatile and can restore tooth tissue in some cases. The colour of the composite resin is white and your dentist can adjust the shade to match the colour of your natural teeth.
How much do tooth-coloured fillings cost?
Prices for tooth-coloured fillings vary, but they typically cost around £120 to £250.
What are the benefits of tooth-coloured fillings?
The main advantage of tooth-coloured fillings is its cosmetic benefits. The colour of the filling closely matches the shade of the underlying and surrounding teeth, making it subtler and creating a more aesthetically pleasing result.
Additionally, the resin chemically bonds to the tooth, which makes the filling more durable. The resin seeps into the grooves of the tooth, strengthening and supporting the underlying structure. Your dentist won’t need to remove as much of your tooth when using resin, so more of the tooth’s natural structure can be saved.
What is the process of getting a tooth-coloured filling?
Getting a tooth-coloured filling is a simple treatment and your dentist can often perform it on the same day they discover the tooth decay or damage. First, your dentist numbs the area around the tooth before removing the damaged parts to ensure that only healthy tooth remains.
A compound is then added to the tooth to create grooves and ridges that help the resin adhere to the surface, reinforcing the structure of the tooth. The dentist then applies and shapes the resin. Finally, they harden the filling with a special light and polish it for a smooth feel and appearance.
If you are replacing your silver fillings, the dentist will have to remove them first.
How long will a tooth-coloured filling last?
A tooth-coloured filling can last as long as an amalgam filling, which is around ten years. The lifespan of a filling will depend on various factors including its position in the mouth and your dental hygiene routine. You may need to have a filling replaced if the tooth decays further or the filling becomes loose.
Keeping up good dental hygiene is an effective way to maintain your oral health and reduce the necessity for further restorative work.
Very much recommend. First time going to Platinum for a dental cleaning and was very happy at the speed and professionalism of the service. Previously going to BUPA and felt that the experience was a notch better. Very easy online booking system. The Hygienist, Priya…
I came to get my teeth cleaned and couldn't be happier with Camilla's work! She made me feel calm and relaxed, and her reassuring words put me at ease. I couldn't recommend her enough!
I've been very impressed with Platinum Dental Care from the outset. They are a warm and professional team with extreme technical proficiency – Ronnie in particular. On the rare occasion when I've had dental issue, they have always worked very hard to squeeze me in…
Platinum Dental Care is easily the friendliest, most professional and highest quality dentist in London. The whole team consistently does everything they can to make sure you get the best treatment possible. Their communication about appointments is always excellent and the practice is a warm…
I found Platinum Dental Care after relocating while mid-way on an implant treatment. Dr Marios was very patient and diligent on making it all work to perfection. And Dr Patel was amazing at finding and fixing issues before they became a problem. The practice is…
I was smiling when I walked in and left smiling when I walked out. Millie was professional, friendly and reassuring throughout the duration of my appointment. As a healthcare professional myself I really appreciated Millie's efforts to make sure I was okay throughout the procedure.…
Sarika is the best dentist. I have been with her for 2 years and cannot be happier with my teeth now
Big Thank you for Ana at the reception to go out of her way to get an appointment. Thank you for Nadia to be fantastic. The place is 4.9 star on google for a reason.
Highly recommend this place. I've been to a few other private dental practices in London - Bloomsbury, London Bridge and Moorgate, but this place is my favourite and I'd recommend this practice for both check ups and hygienist visits. They are thorough with their explanations…
Visited Yana the dental hygienist this morning. Brilliant service and lovely lady. Teeth squeaky clean and unlike some hygienists the procedure was not painful at all. Highly recommended.,
I would like to thank everyone from the reception team and also Yana the hygienist and above all Dental surgeon Dr Ronak Patel who always gave the best treatment possible and is kind and friendly manner always made it a pleasure to attend the practice…
Dr Ronak and Nadia Begum have been great since I've joined Platinum. They are very personable and do seem to really care. I feel in very safe and professional hands!
From making the appointment through to treatment the whole experience was beyond pleasant experience. The reception staff are very friendly and welcoming and Dr Sarika Shah is so polite and respectful. She had treated me with great dignity. I have never had such a thorough…
I have an unsightly chip on one of my front teeth from an accident in my teens. The original filling fell out 2 years ago, and I went to an NHS dentist that did a very rushed and poor quality job at patching it. Unsurprisingly,…
Last year I made the decision to start Invisalign treatment with Platinum Dental and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. From the initial consultation to completion of the treatment Dr Sarika Shah was amazing at guiding me through the whole…
The staff were very friendly and helpful. Dr Patel was excellent with his diagnosis and treatment. I thoroughly recommend this practice.
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