Fillings and White Fillings in Marylebone and Central London.

There are many reasons why your dentist may recommend a tooth filling. It may be that you are suffering from tooth pain, or that you have suddenly started to suffer from tooth sensitivity when this has not been a problem previously. You may have signs of decay or you could have damaged your teeth in some way. You may have worn teeth, caused by the ageing process or as a result of biting your nails or grinding your teeth.

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However, it may be that you have very few symptoms. You could simply notice that your tooth is feeling a little rough when you run your tongue over it, or the dental floss you use could keep breaking when you clean around a certain tooth.

Fillings are generally carried out in just one appointment. First, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth to be filled with a local anaesthetic before removing any decayed sections of your tooth.

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Once the decay has been taken out, your dentist will thoroughly clean the area to ensure no bacteria or debris remains.

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Depending on how close to the root the decayed or damaged area is, a special liner may have to be put in place to protect the nerve when carrying out a cavity filling. The tooth filling material will then be applied before your dentist files and reshapes your new tooth. Generally, fillings for tooth restoration can be completed in one day, but if you need an emergency filling or your dentist feels your mouth needs time to recover from nerve damage or a root canal, you may have a temporary filling put in place before returning for your permanent tooth filling.

The location of your filling, whether it is on a back or front tooth, and the type of material you have chosen will all have a bearing on how long your filling will last. A typical tooth cavity filling will last around five to 10 years before you need to have a replacement. With proper dental hygiene and check‑ups, you can help to prolong the life of your filling, to ensure you can continue to eat the food you love and can smile with confidence.

Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures carried out, with the vast majority of people in the UK having at least one filling. However, many people worry that a filling will look unnatural and won’t match the colour of their existing teeth. By opting for white fillings, which can be matched to the shade of your teeth, you can ensure that both function and aesthetics are restored.

You can take care of a filling just like you would the rest of your natural teeth. To protect your tooth and the filling, you should brush and floss regularly, attending regular check‑ups to have your teeth professionally cleaned by a hygienist. Just like natural teeth, your filling can become stained, so it can be a good idea to avoid tobacco as well as drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine. If you engage in high‑contact sports, you may want to wear a mouthguard to protect both your filling and teeth.

You can expect a typical white filling to need replacing in around 5 to 10 years. However, because white composite fillings are bonded directly to your tooth enamel, they can still be very durable and can last much longer with proper care. Even though you will likely need to factor in replacement within a number of years, white fillings are still very popular as they can help you to achieve a beautiful smile that you can be proud to show off.

Silver amalgam fillings are strong and durable, making them ideal for back teeth where chewing forces are higher. White composite fillings blend in with your natural tooth colour and are well‑suited for front teeth or visible areas. At your appointment our dentists will explain the pros and cons of each material and help you choose the best option for your needs, budget and aesthetic goals.