Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures undertaken in the UK with over 8 million fillings per year.
Fillings are used to fill cavities (holes) that have formed, usually because of decay or tooth wear.
Most people have a local anaesthetic injection to completely numb the area while the filling is being done. The numbness can take several hours to wear off. If you are nervous about having an injection, ask your dentist if you can have an anaesthetic gel applied to the appropriate area. The gel numbs the gum, so you do not feel anything.
The decayed and weakened parts of the tooth are removed using small drills and the cavity is cleaned. If the cavity has spread to the side wall of your tooth, a band will be placed around the tooth with a small wedge holding it in place. This ensures that the filling hardens into the correct shape.
Temporary fillings are sometimes used, for example at emergency appointments when there may not be enough time to complete a full treatment. Temporary fillings can last for quite a long time, but they are not very strong so you will need to arrange to have a durable filling placed within a few weeks.
Amalgam fillings (silver coloured metal alloy) are traditionally used to successfully repair a posterior tooth in the event of damage or cavity. This well-established, quick, and highly safe procedure helps to save a tooth by restoring look and function for the long-term.
Amalgam fillings have been used for over 150 years and are extremely hardwearing. When looked after properly some can last for 20 years or more. They are a mixture of mercury and various other metals including silver, tin and copper and are more durable and longer lasting than composite. The only stronger option is gold, which is more expensive.
For these reasons, amalgam is considered a highly cost-effective option for many people.
An increasingly popular choice mainly for aesthetic reasons, white fillings are barely noticeable as they blend in naturally with your existing teeth.
