Cavities can develop in teeth and when they do, will usually need filling. Holes can be caused by:
Where possible we will use tooth coloured materials to fill cavities – your dentist can discuss with you which material is best for each situation. We use high quality filling materials that have demonstrated excellent performance in clinical trials.
All fillings have a finite lifespan and will need to be replaced eventually due to wear, fracture or new decay in a tooth. Predicting how long it will last is difficult as there are many influencing factors. Generally, the following things will affect the lifespan of a filling:
Poor cleaning around it (increased decay risk).
High sugar diet (increased decay risk).
The size of the filling (the larger it is the more likely it is to break down).
Grinding or clenching of the teeth (increased risk of breaking).
In most cases silver fillings (amalgam) can be replaced with a tooth coloured material. This can be done purely for cosmetic reasons if a patient wishes. If the silver filling is large, the tooth may need an onlay or a crown instead (see below).
We will offer to make your tooth numb before any procedure. A small injection of local anaesthetic is put next to the tooth which stops the tooth feeling sensations including pain. Once numb we can complete the procedure pain free. To make the injection as easy as possible we will place a numbing gel on the gum first.
Occasionally a tooth may be sensitive afterwards if the filling was large and close to the nerve of the tooth. Your dentist will be happy to discuss management of sensitivity.
Each time a filling is replaced, the hole becomes larger and so does the filling. There comes a point where the remaining tooth is weakened and is likely to fracture. A large filling can be difficult to shape to create a tight contact with the adjacent teeth. This creates a gap between the teeth that allows food packing. To prevent this happening a crown or onlay can be placed over the tooth. For more information about crowns, click here.
Our fees for fillings:
See below to meet the staff who perform these procedures on a daily basis.
