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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.
I would like to express my gratitude to Platinum, and in particular, Dr. Christina Isorna, for the prompt care I received for my recent ailment. Throughout my treatment, I required several additional follow-up appointments as my condition required extra attention. Dr. Christina graciously made time…
I completed my teeth straightening treatment with Invisalign. I am very happy with the results and a big thanks to Dr Sarika Shah for all her help. Also I successfully improved dramatically my gums health with hygiene recommendations and treatments thanks go to Cat. A…
I can’t fault this practice! Everyone is so caring and friendly. My experience here has been so different to dentists I’ve visited previously... The team here are so genuine and nice, I actually look forward seeing them! Really wanted to shout out the amazing reception…
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’ve had my invisalign and composite bonding here and I am very happy with the results. From the reception staff to the clinicians, (special mention to Kate) everyone has been amazing and so friendly. Thank you for helping me achieve the smile I’ve always wanted.…
Sarika is the best dentist. I have been with her for 2 years and cannot be happier with my teeth now
I had been dreading going to the dentist for three years because of anxiety. During that time, I had problematic gums with bleeding, redness, and swelling. It got worse when a gross-looking pus appeared on my front gum, which severely affected my confidence. So, I…
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I highly recommend this practice. I had my appointment with the hygienist Ms Bea, and I couldn’t be more satisfied. My gum was bleeding, inflamed, and had a lot of tartar, but she managed to fix everything in 2 sessions. She also gave me excellent…
Wonderful team providing wonderful smiles. I had noticed years ago that some of my teeth were twisting (age thing), but never realised that this could be fixed. The first dentist I found, told me that one particular tooth just could not be saved and declared…
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…
Been going to this practice for a year and have my dental health significantly improved. The staff are amazing including the dentists, the receptionists and the nurses. The price is on the higher side but the staff are very transparent with the pricing and you…
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…
Wow! Dr Shah is an absolutely incredible dentist, and Platinum is an exceptional practice. I went to Dr Shah with severe TMD (causing extreme pain in my jaw, difficulty chewing many foods, and very limited ability to open my mouth). Over the last year of…
This practice was recommended to me by two friends and I can say that it is the best practice I have been to. The team make you so comfortable and explain clearly everything. They have the best technology to make things easier and up to…
The service I received from Dr. Christina Suarez was 10/10. She was so helpful and brilliant throughout my treatment that I decided for her to also do my mothers dental work. Her work was brilliant, impeccable, and of high standards. I highly recommend her for…
I am really happy with the service provided. Consultation, filling replacement and crown replacement in multiple visits plus one session with dental hygienist - all was great. Everyone was friendly, from reception staff to dentist and nurse. I was impressed by advances of modern dentistry…
Recently finished my Invisalign with platinum dental care and could not recommend them enough. Since the beginning Dr Shah and Antonia in particular have been so invested in my treatment, supporting with all my silly questions and accommodating my concerns. They have worked with me…
My experience with Platinum Dental Care has been 10/10. I just finished my Porcelain Veneers treatment, and Dr Cristina Suarez and her team have been impeccable every step of the way. She explained everything well, answered my questions and put me at ease. I am…
As someone who neglected their dental care for a long time I had been extremely nervous and putting off going to the dentist for years. When you know you may have a way to go to get to a good place it can be scary.…
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