Dental Fillings

What are fillings?

Fillings are the most common type of ‘restorative treatment’. A filling replaces the part of the tooth that has been lost either because decay has caused a cavity in the tooth or because the tooth has broken. Composite is the most common material used, and is a tooth-coloured resin-based filling. We no longer use silver metal fillings- not to say they are not good, but we have better materials now!

The Procedure

  • A local anaesthetic will be given to numb the tooth and the surrounding tissue.

  • The tooth will be thoroughly cleaned, all decay, food debris, and tartar will be removed, and the cavity will then be shaped to them have the restoration placed on top.

  • The filling will be adjusted so that it is smooth to your tongue and fits in your bite.

Your dentist will talk you through all the options for filling the cavity. For patients with teeth with little or no sound supporting structure or who have a heavy bite or are grinders, an alternative would be to place a ceramic restoration at this tooth.

Dentist wearing surgical mask and magnifying eyewear treating patient