Fillings
Dental Fillings
Tooth decay is the most common dental disease. In the UK, one in three adults (31%) has tooth decay.
When you neglect to brush and floss your teeth after meals, the normal bacteria in the mouth attach to food particles, forming a layer of plaque. Plaque is a thin biofilm composed of bacteria and food debris that adheres to the surface of the teeth. The bacteria then release acids that lead to the demineralization of the hard tooth structure, resulting in a hole commonly referred to as a cavity.
It is essential to stop the damage as early as possible to avoid bacterial invasion toward the tooth pulp to avoid pulp damage and the need for a root canal treatment After removing the decay, the tooth is designed to receive a dental filling.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a restorative material used to fill the hole created by tooth decay to restore tooth function, integrity, and aesthetics. Dental fillings have evolved throughout the years aiming to create a material similar to the natural tooth structure. The requirements of a perfect dental filling material include:
- Does not interact with the different foods and beverages ingested throughout the day.
- Dimensionally stable under thermal fluctuations to avoid marginal leakage and recurrent caries.
- Can withstand high masticatory forces without fracture.
- Insulating to avoid transfer of the temperature change to the pulp leading to its damage.
- Bond with the tooth structure to act as one unit during mastication
- Available in different shades to be matched to the tooth colour.
- Releases fluoride to increase the tooth’s resistance to decay.
No dental filling material combines all of these requirements, the choice of the most suitable dental materials is determined individually case by case.
Different Types of Dental Fillings
Amalgam Filling
The oldest filling material is grey in colour and consists of a mixture of various metal alloys and mercury. It is a durable restoration that is not technique-sensitive and possesses high strength and low cost. However, several concerns have been raised regarding mercury toxicity.
Composite Resin Filling
Composite resin composed of a mixture of silica (glass) and plastic, was developed to address the aesthetic limitations of amalgam restorations.
A vailable in various shades to match natural tooth colour, the composite resin conserves tooth structure since it does not require a specific cavity design and is bonded directly to the tooth. However, composite resin restorations are more expensive than amalgam and are generally less durable.
Porcelain Fillings (Inlays/Onlays)
Porcelain is used for building indirect dental restorations, such as inlays and onlays. This process involves fabricating the restoration outside of the mouth and then bonding it as one piece to the tooth. While porcelain fillings can be costly, they offer durable and highly aesthetic results.
Gold Fillings
Gold has been used to restore decayed teeth since the ancient Egyptians. Despite its significant advantages, including durability, biocompatibility, and conservation of tooth structure, it is not a popular choice today due to its unappealing aesthetics.
Glass Ionomer Filling
Glass ionomer is a tooth-coloured restorative material that offers the unique advantage of fluoride release, which enhances the tooth’s resistance to caries. However, it is regarded as a long-term temporary restorative material due to its relative weakness. It is particularly suitable for cavities in children’s teeth, as primary (deciduous) teeth will eventually be replaced.
Temporary Filling
Temporary dental fillings are provisional materials used to fill a tooth cavity until a permanent restoration can be placed. They are particularly beneficial for teeth experiencing severe pain, as they allow the tooth pulp to recover before the final restoration is applied. However, temporary fillings are weak and can only withstand masticatory forces for a limited period. Our dental experts will schedule your next appointment to replace the temporary filling.
Factors Affecting the Dental Filling Choice
Cavity size
Small cavities are better restored with composite resin. Moderate-size cavities can be treated with amalgam or composite resin restoration, extensive cavities are more suitable to be treated using indirect (porcelain) restorations.
Location
Decayed teeth in aesthetic areas are ideally treated using composite and porcelain restorations to provide a natural-looking appearance.
Durability
Gold and amalgam restorations are the most durable restoration. Composite resin and glass ionomer restorations will need replacement over time.
Biocompatibility
Amalgam restorations may not be favoured by some patients, because of the raised issues regarding mercury toxicity. Composite resin. Glass ionomer, porcelain, and gold restorations are biocompatible.
Cost
Gold and porcelain restorations are the most expensive, followed by glass ionomer and composite resin restoration. Amalgam is the least expensive dental filling.
Dental Fillings at Dulwich Dental Office
Our dental professionals at Dulwich Dental Office are experienced in restoring your teeth with durable restorations that meet your needs.
Dulwich Dental Office has over 30 years of experience and has served 30,000+ satisfied dental patients. We utilise high-quality dental filling materials to repair the damage caused by tooth decay, helping to preserve the function of the tooth and eliminating the need for extraction.
During your dental filling appointment, a thorough assessment of the extent of tooth decay is essential. This evaluation involves both visual examination and X-rays to determine the size of the decay. Our dental facility is equipped with digital X-ray technology, which minimises radiation exposure.
After assessing the damage and identifying the most appropriate restorative material, local anaesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure. If you are an anxious patient, we are here to help. Dulwich Dental Office provides sedation dentistry options to enhance your comfort.
Once the effects of the local anaesthetic start, the decay is removed using rotary instruments, hand instruments, or air abrasion technology. Air abrasion is a recent innovation that allows for the precise removal of decay while preserving healthy tooth structure.
After decay removal, the cavity is shaped and prepared to receive a dental restoration. At this stage, the selected dental filling material will dictate how the restoration is constructed.
If the chosen restoration is porcelain or gold, the restoration will be built indirectly outside your mouth and cemented during a subsequent visit. An impression will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication. Conversely, if the agreed-upon restoration is composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer, it will be directly constructed in the oral cavity during the same visit.
Composite restorations necessitate a preliminary step of surface preparation to ensure effective bonding. This process involves etching the tooth surface with a strong acid, followed by the application of a bonding agent. Subsequently, incremental packing and curing of the composite resin are performed using a specialised blue light.
For amalgam restorations, it is inserted incrementally and condensed before adding each subsequent increment. Amalgam sets without the need for additional means.
Glass ionomer and temporary fillings are placed and compacted in the cavity without special precautions.
Once the direct dental filling is applied, the top surface is sculpted to resemble the natural anatomy of the tooth.
Finally, finishing and polishing of all dental fillings is performed to ensure a smooth surface, which helps prevent food impaction and bacterial buildup.
Care Instructions for a Durable Dental Filling
Dental fillings do not require special care instructions. Brush and floss your normal teeth as you naturally do to avoid caries initiation at the tooth-restoration margin. Maintain regular hygiene and check-up visits to maintain your oral health and for early detection of any lesions.
Untreated tooth decay can lead to further damage, including the decay reaching the pulp, which causes severe pain and abscess formation. If a tooth becomes irreparable, extraction will be inevitable. More complex and expensive treatment solutions will be essential to restore the missing tooth.
A dental filling is required when a tooth has developed a cavity. Symptoms such as pain, sensitivity, food impaction, or black discoloration associated with the decayed tooth may be observed. These signs indicate that a dental filling is essential.
The choice between different dental restorations depends on several factors, including tooth location, extent of decay, cost, patient preferences, and aesthetics. Consult our dental experts to learn more about the most suitable restoration for you.
The average lifespan of dental fillings ranges from 5 to 15 years, depending on your oral hygiene and the type of filling used.
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, the decay has likely progressed close to the pulp tissue, resulting in pulp inflammation. In this case, it is recommended to use a temporary filling to allow for pulp recovery. A temporary filling is also advisable in the case of indirect restoration until its fabrication.
After receiving a dental filling, your tooth is restored to its original shape and function as closely as possible. Continue to brush and floss your restored teeth regularly to ensure the longevity of the dental restoration. It is advisable to avoid sticky foods to prevent restoration dislodgment.
It is normal to experience sensitivity for a few days after a tooth filling, especially in deep cavities. If the sensitivity does not subside within a week, please consult our dental experts to investigate possible causes, such as premature contact.
Our dental experts match the colour of composite resin fillings to your natural tooth colour. However, over time, the colour of the composite resin restoration may change and require replacement. Factors such as the consumption of staining foods and beverages, smoking, and inadequate oral hygiene can accelerate the composite resin staining and increase the need for replacement.
Definitely! It is recommended to brush and floss your filled teeth just as you do for your natural teeth to prevent the initiation of caries at the margins of the restoration.
Dental filling costs start at £120, depending on the type and size of the filling. We offer flexible payment plans to accommodate your financial needs. Contact us today to learn more.
Other General Dental Treatments
PREVENTIVE CARE
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ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
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BONDING
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FLEXIBLE DENTURES
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BRIDGES
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MOUTHGUARDS
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CHILDRENS DENTISTRY
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CROWNS
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ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS
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ORTHODONTICS
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DENTURE STABILISATION
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HYGIENIST
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ORAL CANCER SCREENING
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AIR ABRASION
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We Have You Covered
Dulwich Dental Office is a leading dental practice in London, providing high-quality NHS and private dental care for patients seeking reliable, professional treatment. Our experienced dentists offer a complete range of services designed to protect your oral health, improve your smile and provide solutions for a wide variety of dental needs. Whether you require a routine check-up in Beckenham, a dental filling in Croydon, Invisalign treatment in Chelsea, teeth whitening in Deptford, or dental implants in Pimlico, our dedicated team is here to support you.
We combine modern dentistry with a personalised approach, ensuring every patient receives treatment that is carefully planned around their individual needs. Our services include preventative examinations, hygiene appointments, fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, composite bonding, braces, Invisalign clear aligners, cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics, bone grafting and dental implants.
Patients from Battersea, Clapham, Tooting, Balham and Mitcham choose Dulwich Dental Office because they value our friendly approach, experienced clinicians and commitment to excellent dental outcomes. We believe that good communication is essential, which is why we take time to explain your options and ensure you feel confident about your treatment decisions.
Whether you need regular dental care, cosmetic improvements or advanced restorative treatment, Dulwich Dental Office provides expert dentistry you can trust. Contact our team today to arrange your appointment and discover how we can help you achieve a healthier, brighter smile.
OTHER DENTAL TREATMENTS AVAILABLE
SPECIALIST TREATMENTS
These treatments use specalist technology, need more involved care, or are for a specific group of patients, like children.
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
From smile makeovers and tooth whitening to invisibraces. We offer a wide range of cosmetic services to guarantee a great smile in 6 months
CONTACT US
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Dental Clinic
Dulwich Dental Office is a renowned clinic that delivers a high-quality dental care service in East Dulwich. Call: 0208 6933339
