Perhaps the most common dental treatment, fillings are routinely used when tooth decay has caused a small cavity to appear in the tooth, and to protect against further decay. At 543 Dental Centre in Hull, we offer both traditional (amalgam) and white (composite) fillings.
The traditional filling material is metal amalgam, though composite white fillings are increasingly becoming the treatment of choice for their discreet cosmetic appeal. Here at 543 Dental, we offer cost-effective amalgam fillings as well as tooth-coloured white composite fillings. Your dentist will talk you through your options.
Treatment is usually carried out under a local anaesthetic, and is a routine procedure that involves minimal discomfort or downtime. If you are at all nervous about having an injection, do let us know so that we can gently help you through the procedure – we have a number of tried and tested techniques at our disposal and lots of experience helping nervous patients.
White fillings have the major advantage of being tooth-coloured, so your filling isn’t noticeable inside your mouth. They’re made of a material that’s mouldable and bonds to your tooth, which means less drilling is required, and less of the tooth needs to be removed to place the filling.
The only real downside to white fillings is their longevity – they don’t generally last as long as metal amalgam fillings. However with good oral hygiene your white filling can be a long-term solution. You’ll be able to discuss your options fully with your dentist before you decide what to go for.
Some patients experience extra sensitivity for up to three weeks after the treatment, which gradually subsides. For most, though, a filling treatment is very straightforward. The anaesthetic wears off after 1-3 hours and after that you should be able to return to normal activity. Children must be observed until the anaesthesia has completely worn off.
