Fillings

Dental fillings are commonly used to treat areas of tooth decay before the damage becomes more serious. Tooth decay develops when harmful bacteria in the mouth produce acids that gradually weaken and break down the protective enamel on the surface of the tooth.

If decay is left untreated, it can progress deeper into the tooth, causing sensitivity, discomfort, pain or difficulty eating. In more advanced cases, decay may reach the nerve inside the tooth or lead to an infection, such as a dental abscess. When this happens, more complex treatment may be needed, including root canal treatment or, in severe cases, removal of the affected tooth.
Tooth filling treatment helps repair the damaged area, restore the tooth’s structure and reduce the risk of further decay. Fillings may be recommended for patients with cavities, minor tooth damage or areas of weakness caused by wear.

Tooth decay can affect patients of all ages, although some people may be more likely to develop cavities than others. This can include:

• Children and teenagers, particularly where diet or brushing habits increase the risk of decay
• Older adults, especially where enamel wear, gum recession, dry mouth or difficulty brushing are factors
• People who regularly consume sugary, acidic or sticky foods and drinks
• Patients who snack or sip frequently throughout the day
• People with a higher genetic risk of tooth decay
• Patients with existing fillings, crowns or bridges, where decay can sometimes develop around the restoration

Fillings can be used to treat different types of decay, including:

• Coronal cavities, which usually develop on the chewing surfaces of teeth or between the teeth
• Root surface decay, which can occur when gum recession exposes the root surface
• Recurrent decay, which can form around existing dental restorations such as fillings, crowns or bridges

Dental fillings may also be suitable for repairing small chips, cracks or worn areas, depending on the extent of the damage. For patients looking to improve the appearance of chipped or uneven teeth, composite bonding may also be recommended.

Dental fillings are a common and effective way to repair teeth affected by decay, minor damage or wear. By restoring the damaged area, a filling can help protect the tooth, improve comfort and support normal biting and chewing.

The main advantages of dental fillings include:

• Restoring the natural shape and structure of the affected tooth
• Helping to protect the tooth after decay has been removed
• Sealing the treated area to reduce the risk of bacteria entering the tooth
• Reducing sensitivity or discomfort caused by decay or minor damage
• Supporting normal chewing function
• Helping to prevent the need for more complex dental treatment where decay is treated early
• Providing a natural-looking result when tooth-coloured filling materials are used

Your dentist will assess the tooth and recommend the most suitable filling material based on the location of the filling, the extent of the damage and your individual dental needs.

There is no single approach to tooth filling treatment, as the most suitable option will depend on the extent of the decay or damage, the position of the affected tooth, the type of filling material required and your individual dental needs. Your dentist will assess the tooth and explain the most appropriate treatment option before the filling is placed.

During the procedure, your dentist will usually remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth before cleaning and preparing the area. The cavity is then filled with a suitable dental material, which helps restore the shape, strength and function of the tooth.

Different materials can be used for dental fillings, and each option has its own advantages depending on the tooth being treated, the size of the filling and the desired appearance.

Gold Dental Fillings

Gold fillings are custom-made in a dental laboratory and then fitted to the tooth. They are strong, durable and generally well tolerated by the surrounding gum tissue. However, they usually require more than one appointment and are often more expensive than other filling materials.

Amalgam Dental Fillings

Amalgam fillings, sometimes known as silver fillings, are made from a mixture of metals. They have traditionally been used because they are strong, durable and cost-effective. However, their darker appearance means they are more noticeable than tooth-coloured fillings, so they may not be the preferred option for more visible areas of the mouth.

Composite Dental Fillings

Composite fillings are tooth-coloured fillings that can be closely matched to the natural shade of your teeth. They are bonded directly to the tooth and are often chosen when appearance is an important consideration.

Modern composite materials can be suitable for both front and back teeth, depending on the size and position of the filling. However, they may not always be the best option for very large restorations, as they can wear, chip or stain over time. Your dentist will discuss this with you if it is relevant to your treatment.

Glass Ionomer Dental Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are tooth-coloured materials that can release fluoride, which may help protect the tooth from further decay. They are sometimes used for smaller fillings, areas with lower biting pressure, or specific dental situations where your dentist considers them appropriate.

Ceramic Dental Fillings

Ceramic fillings, including inlays and onlays, are custom-made restorations that are fitted to the tooth. They can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth and are resistant to staining. Ceramic restorations may be recommended when a stronger or longer-lasting restoration is needed for a larger area of damage.

If a tooth has been significantly weakened by decay, damage or a fracture, a dental crown may be recommended instead of a filling. A crown covers and protects more of the tooth structure and may be more suitable where a standard filling would not provide enough support.

Depending on whether your filling needs to be made in a laboratory, or whether it can be placed directly onto the affected tooth, you may need more than one appointment for your filling. As with all dental procedures, fillings begin with a thorough assessment, which may include a review of your dental history, an examination and X-rays to assess the extent and depth of the decay and plan the most appropriate treatment.

Once it has been confirmed that the tooth can be restored with a filling, and does not require any other treatment such as root canal treatment, your dentist will consider the most suitable type of filling material.

After removing the decayed material from the tooth, usually under local anaesthetic, your dentist will place the filling in your tooth. If a lab-made filling or restoration is required, an impression or digital scan may be taken to record the shape of the tooth, and the filling will be fitted and secured at a later appointment.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to help remove plaque from between your teeth and around the gumline.
• Make sure you visit your dentist regularly for routine check-ups. Taking a proactive approach to your oral health can help prevent dental problems from developing and stop minor issues from becoming more serious.
• Maintain a balanced diet and limit foods and drinks that are high in sugar or starch. If you do have these foods, it is better to have them with main meals rather than as frequent snacks, as this helps reduce repeated acid exposure to your teeth.
• Choose oral care products that contain fluoride, such as fluoride toothpaste, to help protect your teeth from decay.
• If you are unsure whether your child is getting enough fluoride, speak to your dentist or doctor for professional advice. They can advise whether any additional fluoride support is appropriate.

• Your dentist may choose to place a temporary filling that may contain healing enhancers after cleaning the decay from your tooth before restoring the tooth permanently.
• Just like your natural teeth, the fillings placed in them also undergo wear-and-tear over time, and may need replacement in due course.
• While some dental fillings are carried out on the NHS, some are only possible as a Private treatment. Your dentist will inform you about which one you are getting before starting with the treatment.

Keep your teeth healthy and functional for longer with Genix Healthcare’s advanced options for your dental restorations. You can make it easier to keep them under check with our affordable and easy Patient Plans. Just ask at your nearest Genix Practice.