Dental Fillings in London
Dental fillings are still a very common procedure these days, used mainly when fixing a tooth that has suffered from decay or that has fractured.
Dental fillings do exactly that: they fill a cavity in a tooth. Cavities are usually caused by tooth decay but are usually unnoticeable by the patient. If left untreated, they will end up destroying the whole tooth and early intervention is, most of the time, preferable. Once the decayed tissue has been removed by the dentist, the remaining space is then immediately restored, or filled, by a dental filling material.
Fillings are also called direct restorations, because they restore the teeth directly, in one visit. For larger cavities, the dentist may suggest indirect restorations, such as inlays or onlays, which take place in 2 visits.
Treatment Duration
30+ minutes per filling
Price
From £350
Combined Team Experience
50+ years
Recovery Time
3 hours
Our Google Rating
★★★★★ (4.9)
Who is suitable for fillings?
Most patients are suitable for fillings as they are relatively straightforward to undertake and provide long-term protection to teeth that have suffered from decay. You may notice that the tooth is not okay if you feel that it is slightly broken or particularly sensitive to cold or sweets. But cavities actually can be undetected by the patient until the very last stages so it requires an early diagnosis in order to save as much healthy tooth substance as possible.
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 bacteria 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.
| Prices of dental fillings | |
| Composite filling (Tooth neck) | from £250 |
| Composite filling (1 surface) | from £390 |
| Composite filling (2 surfaces) | from £440 |
| Composite filling (3 surfaces) | from £515 |
| Composite filling (complete tooth reconstruction) | from £590 |
| Composite veneer | from £ 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.
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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 their 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 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.
Composite filling procedure at Wimpole Street Dental Clinic in London:
- You receive local anaesthesia to numb the entire area before the procedure begins so that you feel no discomfort or pain during the treatment.
- The tooth is adequately isolated from the rest of your mouth by means of a rubber dam. This makes the procedure much safer and more comfortable for you, as eliminates any chance of accidents and also prevents the water from building up in your mouth.
- 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. The tooth is also thoroughly cleaned at this stage.
- The composite is then placed inside the prepared cavity in layers and reconstructs the original anatomy of the tooth.
- After removal of the rubber dam, your dentist will then evaluate your bite and the shape of the tooth now filled to ensure it feels comfortable, smoothing further where necessary.
- Your dentist will provide you with all the information and advice you need for your aftercare.
01
A tooth with a black hole indicating a cavity.
02
The tooth is opened and the decay (brown spot) is removed.
03
The final composite filling nearly indistinguishable from the original tooth.
04
A patient with a cracked tooth after a fight.
05
The missing part of the tooth repaired with a composite filling.
Why is Wimpole Street Dental Clinic best for dental fillings in London?
It’s never pleasant to get teeth treated, but the expertise, rigour and empathy of our dentists will ensure that the experience with us is as smooth as it can be. Some patients have described the process actually relaxing!
The experience and skills of our dentists will also ensure longevity and, most importantly, the preservation of the remaining healthy tooth structure.
Our dentists take pride in documenting their work with intra-oral photography, and you will be able to see all the steps of the treatment.
Meet our dentists who are experts in Fillings…
- We have over 75+ years of combined dentistry experience across our specialist team.
- 10,000+ treatments performed and counting.
- We are leaders in the dental industry – we regularly teach, lecture and publish our research work internationally.
Frequently asked questions
What is tooth decay?
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 the inside. This is the cause of cavities.
What are tooth fillings made of?
The tooth filling material we select to use is 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.
When can a tooth be filled?
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 have been identified and the best dental care options for you have been discussed and agreed upon. A member of our team will be in the best position to advise you further during your initial consultation with us.
Can a tooth decay under a filling?
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.
How do I know if I have a cavity?
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.
How much is a tooth filling?
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.
What does a tooth that needs a filling look like?
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
Do tooth fillings hurt?
Rest assured that you will receive 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 tingle 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.
How often should tooth fillings be replaced?
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 a 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.
What should I do if my tooth filling falls out?
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 an initial consultation at our London dental clinic, we will be in the best position to advise you on the necessary treatment options appropriate for your individual case and as presented.
How long should a tooth hurt after a filling?
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.
What is the healthiest tooth filling?
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).
Can I do a tooth filling at home?
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 local anaesthesia is required prior to starting this treatment.
Do you need anaesthesia for a tooth filling?
Yes, local anaesthesia is required to numb the entire area before the procedure begins.
What colour is a tooth filling?
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.
What should I eat after a tooth filling?
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.
Related Treatments
Maryland Bridges
Veneers
Dental Crowns
Inlays & Partial Crowns
When did we last update this page?
Our expert team continually update and research the latest news and techniques in dentistry, as such we regularly update our pages and have these clinically reviewed.
Current Version
July 21st 2023
- Added “when did we last update this page” and author biography to the page.
Written by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Medically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa
Previous Versions
October 2nd 2022
- Page redesigned and updated to reflect change in address.
Written by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Medically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa
30th August 2021
- Original content created.
Written by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Medically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa
Wimpole St Dental Clinic has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Tan SS, Ken Redekop W, Rutten FF. Costs and prices of single dental fillings in Europe: a micro-costing study. Health Econ. 2008 Jan;17(1 Suppl):S83-93. doi: 10.1002/hec.1326. PMID: 18186032.
- Worthington HV, Khangura S, Seal K, Mierzwinski-Urban M, Veitz-Keenan A, Sahrmann P, Schmidlin PR, Davis D, Iheozor-Ejiofor Z, Rasines Alcaraz MG. Direct composite resin fillings versus amalgam fillings for permanent posterior teeth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Aug 13;8(8):CD005620. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005620.pub3. PMID: 34387873; PMCID: PMC8407050.
- Agnihotry A, Fedorowicz Z, Nasser M. Adhesively bonded versus non-bonded amalgam restorations for dental caries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Mar 8;3(3):CD007517. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007517.pub3. PMID: 26954446; PMCID: PMC6599857.
- Rasines Alcaraz MG, Veitz-Keenan A, Sahrmann P, Schmidlin PR, Davis D, Iheozor-Ejiofor Z. Direct composite resin fillings versus amalgam fillings for permanent or adult posterior teeth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Mar 31;(3):CD005620. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005620.pub2. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Aug 13;8:CD005620. PMID: 24683067.
