Fillings are a solution for decayed or damaged teeth as well for minimal tooth fractures and protecting tooth enamel. Fillings can be made of porcelain or tooth-coloured composites or precious metals and metallic amalgams.

Your dentist will advise if you need any fillings during your routine check-up or cleaning appointment and this diagnosis may also require a dental x-ray. You can discuss any queries you may have with us before treatment commences and we can offer a written treatment plan.

Having a filling placed should not be uncomfortable and your Dentist will ensure that you are comfortable using topical and local anaesthetics. If you are at all uncomfortable during the treatment, raise your hand as a stop signal. We are available to discuss any treatment-related concerns including what the treatment entails and your sedation options to ensure that you are completely at ease and happy with the care that you will be receiving.

At the start of your filling treatment, your dentist will explain what steps they will be undertaking. These steps can include sedation and anaesthesia, removing any decayed or damaged tooth material and cleaning the area, removing any old filling material if necessary, checking your bite and polishing your new filling to give it a completely smooth and functional surface.

The filling material used will depend on the type and extent of damage to your tooth and the most common materials include;

Amalgam Fillings (silver) – These are typically cheaper and the silver is blended with other metals to make a strong filling.

Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Fillings- These are ideal for children and the elderly as they take a shorter amount of time to place but are not as strong as the other fillings. RMGI fillings are a natural-looking colour that blends in with your teeth.

Composite Resin Fillings-If you have considerably weakened teeth, composite resin fillings can directly strengthen them and repair chipped, worn and broken teeth as well as decayed areas. They are chemically bonded to your tooth structure, providing instant strength and repair.

Porcelain inlays- A natural-looking colour and aesthetically pleasing, these look much like your actual tooth so are optimal for teeth with larger areas of decay. The shade of the filling material can be customised to blend in with your natural tooth shade.