Dental Fillings

At a Glance

Treatment Time

Approx. 20 minutes

Result

Remove and fill cavity

Downtime

2-3 hours

Longevity

Long-term results

Professional Dentistry

Why Dental Fillings?

Having a filling is a relatively quick, straightforward procedure. A topical anaesthetic is used to numb the area of treatment. Beyond the whirr of the drill, you’ll feel little discomfort, if any at all.

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What To Expect During Your Appointment

While your tooth is numb, your dentist will remove the decay from the affected tooth. They will then restore your tooth using either a Composite or Amalgam Filling.

If a cavity is left unfilled, the tooth may get painful. Fillings are a way to keep your tooth from developing more decay, from becoming painful and bothersome, and from the structure of your tooth from becoming weak, leading to potential fractures and cracks

If you would like further information, click here or request an appointment by calling 020 8767 0128

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Recovery & Aftercare

You may need to allow some time for the feeling to return in a small area of the face following a filling. Your dentist will provide appropriate aftercare advice, which may include waiting for a couple of hours before you eat or drink anything. This is because the filling will need some time to completely harden.

Some patients are advised to avoid particularly sticky, hard or chewy foods for a couple of weeks to allow the filling to settle properly in the tooth. Having a filling may also relieve tooth sensitivity when exposed to hot or cold foods, and therefore, there may be no need to continue using toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

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FAQS

What’s the difference between a composite filling and an amalgam filling?

Amalgam fillings are made from metal. Composite fillings are made from resin and can match the usual tone of your teeth. Whichever material is used they can be bonded to your tooth and are robust enough to both prevent further decay, and continue normal functioning.

How will I know I need a filling?

A dental filling is used to fill a hole that has developed in a tooth, known as a cavity. The hole is an indication of tooth decay, and if it becomes deep enough, can cause tooth pain. Additionally, those with a developing cavity may find the affected tooth is sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Regular visits to the dentist can monitor the condition of your teeth, and identify any cavities.

What shall I do if my filling falls out?

Although dental fillings will generally last a very long time, there are occasions when they become dislodged and fall out. This may happen due to progressive decay or from having eaten particularly hard foods. You should contact your dental practice right away if you suspect your filling has come out, and schedule an appointment.

What if my tooth continues to experience sensitivity following a filling?

It’s not uncommon for tooth sensitivity to continue following a dental filling. In most cases this will resolve within a couple of weeks, so you may need to avoid hot and cold foods during this time.

What forms of anaesthetic are used to perform a filling?

At Trinity Dental Practice we typically use a mild local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area which comes in the form of a gel, and is applied topically. We will discuss any allergies prior to the procedure to ensure you are at little risk of developing a reaction.