Fillings are a form of restoration used to strengthen teeth weakened by decay. It is usually used to fill a cavity (a hole in the tooth) to prevent further damage. Fillings are common and the procedure is fairly simple, but if you are worried about treatment please do not hesitate to talk to the dentist. The procedure involves cleaning the tooth thoroughly, removing decayed tissue and placing filling material in the cavity, which is set hard using an intensive light beam and then shaped and trimmed to ensure a perfect fit. Fillings are usually placed under local anaesthetic to prevent any pain. At Eastgate we provide a variety of different fillings made from different materials.

They are:

• amalgam (silver-coloured) – a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin and copper 

• glass ionomer (tooth-coloured) – powdered glass, which forms a chemical bond with your tooth and may release fluoride that helps to prevent further decay

• composite (tooth-coloured) – made of resin and glass mixture 

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Composites are often recommended for small cavities and those in need of an aesthetically-pleasing alternative to amalgam fillings. For larger cavities, inlays or onlays may be recommended but your dentist will discuss alternative treatment options if a white filling is found to be unsuitable.