Fillings

Fillings are used to repair teeth that may have been damaged due to decay or injury and can return a tooth to full function.

When teeth have become damaged, our team at Deansgate Dental Studio may be able to fix and repair the tooth in question with a filling. Designed to return a tooth to full function, fillings are used to fill in cavities – also known as caries – which are often caused by decay, but can also result from wear and tear or an injury.

What are some symptoms of needing a filling?

Unless they reach an advanced stage, most cavities are pain-free, which means if you’re visiting us here at Deansgate Dental Studio for regular check-ups, then our team will diagnose the need for a filling before you even experience any symptoms.

However, patients who are experiencing increased sensitivity, or pain when chewing or biting down may find they’re in need of a filling which may be at a slightly later stage or in some cases a root canal if decay is especially advanced. If you’re experiencing this, then we’d recommend getting in touch with us as soon as possible.

What are fillings made of?

Traditional fillings are made from a metal amalgam material which can appear silvery-black in the mouth. More recently, we have been able to provide patients with white fillings which are made from a composite resin material. This material is durable and long-lasting, while also having the benefit of being able to fit in more subtly and aesthetically with the rest of the mouth.

Composite fillings also provide a more conservative application process, allowing more of the natural tooth material to be maintained than when amalgam fillings are placed. They are also less likely to fail in a way that the tooth needs to be extracted, giving you peace of mind for the future health of your tooth.

How long does the treatment for a filling take?

Most of the time, we’re able place a filling in just one appointment although deeper fillings can take more time and appointments to be placed properly.

What is the treatment process like?

Treatment for a filling can be completed in just a few steps:

1. We’ll apply local anaesthetic so you’re comfortable and pain-free throughout.
2. We’ll remove the decayed and infected parts of the tooth and clean the area.
3. We’ll apply gel to the tooth so that the composite resin can more easily adhere to the tooth.
4. We’ll place the filling material shaping and sculpting it so that it fits in seamlessly with the mouth.
5. We’ll cure the resin material in place using a special light.