decay teeth london

Dental Fillings
in London

Below you will find information on the different types of dental fillings available at our dental clinic in London as a treatment for dental decay. Please read about the pros and cons of each of the options — we will be pleased to personally assist you should you have any queries.

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Content:

What are fillings?

A tooth filling is a dental treatment to fill a hole in the tooth enamel (also known as a “cavity”). Tooth decay causes cavities which need treatment to preserve the tooth, protect from infection and so restore your smile. A dental filling material is applied to the affected tooth by your dentist once the tooth decay is removed and the area cleansed.

The choice of dental filling you may need depends on the size of cavity present in the tooth enamel and dentin and all your tooth filling options will be discussed in detail during your initial consultation at the clinic with a member of our team.

There are a number of filling materials that can be used:

Composite fillings are sometimes called ‘white fillings’ in that they are made of a material that can be used to match the natural colour of the tooth enamel. Composite fillings are made from a mixture of glass and resin and although they aren’t as strong or hard-wearing as ceramic, gold or amalgam fillings, they are viewed as more preferable as they are less identifiable and noticeable aesthetically. For smaller cavities this is the material of choice.

Gold fillings are sometimes chosen for functional reasons and due to the price of gold compared to amalgam or composite, more expensive. However, gold fillings aren’t solely for looks. Gold fillings are incredibly strong and have exceptional durability lasting between 10-30 years. Nowadays, we rarely recommend gold fillings as there are matched or even outperformed by modern ceramics.

Amalgam fillings, otherwise known as ‘silver fillings’ are the most common type of filling and are made from a variety of different materials. Silver in colour, amalgam fillings have a lot of longevity and durability and as such as usually recommended for filling cavities in teeth that often undergo a lot of stress or wear such as molars (your back teeth). Dental amalgam contains mercury and releases a mercury vapor when placing or removing the filling material. Mercury is a potent nerve toxin. In our clinic in London we will not use any amalgam material due to the aforementioned reasons.

If a dental cavity needs to be filled as an emergency, cement (mostly glass ionomer cements) can be used. They are, however, only for temporary use for a couple of weeks and need to be replaced by a composite or porcelain filling.

Who is suitable for fillings?

Most patients are suitable for fillings as they are relatively straight forward to undertake and provide long term protection to teeth with a cavity. You might need a filling if you notice your tooth enamel is broken or chipped. Furthermore, if your tooth is particularly sensitive or painful or has any dark spots that you didn’t notice before, this might indicate tooth decay.

It is important that you attend the dentist regularly for check-ups so they can check the health of your teeth and look for tooth decay that could lead to enamel damage and ultimately, a cavity. Undertaking a robust and regular oral hygiene routine (such as brushing and flossing regularly) will help protect against bacterium and decay. Catching tooth decay early can often mean that the enamel doesn’t get damaged and you won’t require a filling.

Our clinical priority is saving teeth wherever possible so we will evaluate the best options for you and discuss them with you in as much detail as you need.

What happens during a dental filling appointment?

Please be advised that tooth decay does not cause pain until it reaches an advanced stage, so the earlier a tooth cavity can be identified the better before deep-reaching tooth decay (possibly requiring root canal treatment) sets in. This is why we encourage all our dental patients to see your dentist for a regular check-up twice a year.  

First of all, one of our dental specialists will offer you an initial consultation at our clinic. In order to offer you a comprehensive diagnosis and so outline the optimum dental care plan for your individual case the tooth decay present must be located. We locate the tooth decay by using special lights indicating where it is present in the mouth. If a cavity is then identified, we use our state-of-the-art X-ray technology to ascertain how far the tooth decay has advanced and so how best it can be treated at this stage. 

The tooth filling procedure at Wimpole Street Dental Clinic in London:

  • You receive a local anaesthesia to numb the entire area before the procedure begins so that you feel no discomfort or pain during the treatment.
  • If you did not have a recent dental hygiene appointment the dental plaque is removed and the tooth thoroughly cleaned using a fluoride free pumice
  • The tooth decay is identified and located and then removed using small drills before the area is smoothed in preparation to receive the tooth filling.
  • We tend to prefer to use a composite filling as they need far less of the tooth substance to be removed before application than silver (amalgam) or gold fillings.
  • Your dentist will evaluate your bite and shape of the tooth now filled to ensure your comfort and confidence, smoothing further where necessary.
  • In most cases fluoride is placed directly after the procedure to protect the tooth enamel.

  • Your dentist will provide you with all the information and advice you need for your aftercare.
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A tooth with a black hole indicating a cavity.

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The tooth is opened and the decay (brown spot) is removed.

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The final composite filling nearly indistinguishable from the original tooth.

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A patient with a cracked tooth after a fight.

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The missing part of the tooth repaired with a composite filling.

Why is Wimpole Street Dental Clinic best for dental fillings in London?

Getting tooth pain from a broken tooth or spotting tooth decay is never a pleasant experience. Our dental team at Wimpole Street Dental Clinic will always keep you informed about the health of your teeth, what has likely caused it, what treatment is the most suitable option and what you can do in the future to avoid a repeat visit!

We have decades of combined experience performing dental filling treatments as well as expertise in tooth decay detection.

Specifically for tooth filling, we seek to preserve the tooth wherever possible, which is why we select to use composite fillings or inlays for our dental patients.

We are also clear on the advantages and disadvantages of the types of dental filling materials available to ensure you are in receipt of all the clinical information you need to decide upon the best option for you and your smile. 

Prices of dental fillings
Composite filling (1 surface)£250
Composite filling (2 surfaces)£350
Composite filling (3 surfaces)£450
Composite filling
(complete tooth reconstruction)		£500
Composite veneer£600

Are you ready to restore your smile?

The full amount you pay for your dental fillings varies depending on your personal needs.

Learn more about our cavity treatment provided by the award-winning dental professionals at Wimpole Street Dental Clinic in London and book your appointment today.

Book ONLINE
call us 020 3745 7455

FAQ’s

Because there are no nerves in the dental enamel, the breakdown process caused by the acid does not cause any pain. However, once tooth decay has reached the dentin, which is underneath the tooth enamel, toothache begins. If left untreated, decay can spread rapidly, right down to the nerve of the tooth. This results in severe pain and inflammation of the nerve. What is known as deep-reaching tooth decay, often requires root canal treatment.

Bacteria and food remnants may settle on the tooth over time, building a thin coat of plaque. Food containing carbohydrates is broken down by these bacteria, producing acids. These, in turn, break down the hard tooth enamel, enabling microorganisms to enter the tooth and destroy it from inside. This is the cause of cavities.

Please be advised that at Wimpole Street Dental Clinic, fillings currently cost between £150-£400 depending on the size of the cavity as presented and the professional time taken to restore it for you. Please also consider that inlays are much more expensive because this treatment option requires double the time plus the professional time and expertise of a dental laboratory.

It may be advisable to check your current dental insurance policy for details on your individual coverage terms for part or all of the cost involved for ceramic fillings, plastic fillings and inlays.

The extent of tooth decay as presented varies on an individual case by case basis. Once the decay is identified and located, our dental specialist will be in the best position to advise whether the best course of action is to recommend a tooth filling for you. 

Signs that a tooth might need a filling include:

  • Chipped or fractured tooth enamel
  • Dark spots around or in the tooth
  • Sensitivity or throbbing pain from the affected area
  • Food regularly gets stuck between teeth
  • Damage to an existing filling
  • Flossing string visibly tears each time a particular tooth is flossed

Rest assured that you will receive a local anaesthesia to numb the entire area before either procedure begins. You won’t be able to feel anything your dentist is doing throughout the treatment. Once the anaesthesia wears off after the procedure you might notice some small sensitivity or tingling in your mouth but this should fade relatively quickly. Patients who experience any additional pain (which is largely uncommon) can take over-the-counter pain relief medication.

Any concerns regarding any potential discomfort you may experience during and post-treatment can be raised and resolved with one of our team.

The tooth filling material which we select to use are composite fillings or ceramic inlays. Composite fillings, also known as plastic fillings, are made of tooth-coloured, plastic material applied to your tooth in layers. Once applied, the material is hardened with a special light. 

Inlays, often the most appropriate option for larger cavities, are made using a ceramic material such as porcelain which is crafted in our dental laboratory to provide a perfect aesthetic match after a digital or conventional teeth mould has been made after decay removal.

As previously mentioned above, patients may also have had other varieties of tooth fillings such as amalgam fillings (silver), cement fillings, gold fillings and ceramic fillings. 

Modern composite fillings, depending on their size, can last between five to 15 years on average. In contrast to this, some ceramic fillings and gold inlays may last 20 years and more.

How long an inlay or a filling will last also depends on its position and size. In addition, your oral hygiene is an important factor in the durability of your inlay or filling. Please use floss and a small brush to clean the area around your inlay or filling to protect it from bacterium that can lead to decay and damage the enamel and filling. Please contact us for more advice on how to care for your filling or inlay.

Contact us to make a prompt appointment with your dentist to address the nature of the loose or missing tooth filling issue you are experiencing. After initial consultation at our clinic, we will be in the best position to advise you on the necessary treatment options appropriate in your individual case and as presented.

Temporary tooth sensitivity or discomfort may present when eating or drinking after a tooth filling procedure. If you have any concerns which arise post-treatment regarding the healing process, please contact us at Wimpole Street Dental Clinic for advice.

It is possible for tooth decay under a filling over time if the filling shows signs of wear which provide a space for bacterium to re-enter the affected tooth.

Twice yearly check-up appointments with your dentist provide us with the best opportunity to evaluate the ongoing condition of your fillings so we can advise on any further treatment options which may be necessary for you to consider to safeguard your smile against decay and further damage.

We would always encourage the preservation of your own natural teeth via a regular schedule of dentist and dental hygiene appointments with us together with your own personal oral hygiene regimen to ensure optimum oral health.

Should you need a tooth filling, we offer composite fillings or inlays at Wimpole Street Dental Clinic as they do not require as much tooth substance removal as silver fillings (amalgam).

A tooth filling procedure requires expert dental care to ensure the greatest chance of clinical success, so it is advisable to book an appointment with your dentist here at the clinic to perform it for you, especially as a local anaesthesia is required prior to starting this treatment.  

Yes, a local anaesthesia is required to numb the entire area before the procedure begins.

Your chosen tooth filling material, whether composite or ceramic inlay is matched to the colour of your teeth as much as possible to achieve the highest standards of aesthetic compatibility to deliver both comfort and confidence in our restoration of your smile.

You may experience temporary tooth sensitivity and/or discomfort after a tooth filling procedure. You may wish to refrain from eating extremely hot or cold foods or foods which may require extensive chewing to consume effectively in order to give your mouth adequate time to heal. Full details on all aspects of your aftercare can be provided by your dentist during your initial consultation or at the post-treatment stage of your appointment with us.

If your individual case presents as suitable for a tooth filling procedure, the tooth can be filled during a booked appointment with your dentist once the extent of the tooth decay and its exact location has been identified and the best dental care options for you have been discussed and agreed. A member of our team will be in the best position to advise you further during your initial consultation with us. 

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