A filling repairs a tooth that decay or damage has left with a hole or a weak spot. We use tooth-coloured composite, shaped and polished to blend in with the tooth around it, so that the repair is strong and hard to see.
When a filling is needed
Decay starts when the bacteria in plaque turn sugar into acid, which dissolves the tooth's surface. Early on there is nothing to feel. Later you may notice sensitivity to cold or sweet things, food catching in one spot, a rough edge or a dark mark. A filling may also be the answer for a chipped tooth, a worn edge or an old filling that has cracked or started to leak. The earlier decay is found, the smaller the filling and the more of your own tooth is kept, which is one reason regular check-ups matter.
What happens at the appointment
- The tooth and the gum around it are numbed with a local anaesthetic
- The decayed or weakened part is removed and the cavity is cleaned
- The composite is placed in thin layers, each one set hard with a blue light
- The filling is shaped to your bite and polished
A small filling takes about half an hour, a larger one longer. You can eat once the numbness has worn off, usually within a few hours. Take care not to bite your lip or cheek until then.
Afterwards
The tooth may be sensitive to hot, cold or pressure for a few days. That is normal and settles. If the filling feels high when you bite, or the sensitivity is getting worse after a week, come back: a small adjustment usually solves it.
When a filling is not enough
A tooth that has lost a lot of its structure may need more support than a filling can give, such as an inlay, an onlay or a crown. If decay has reached the nerve, the tooth may need root canal treatment first. Your dentist will show you what they can see and explain why they are recommending one option over another.
Common questions
How long does a composite filling last? Many last for years. It depends on the size of the filling, where it is in the mouth, how you bite and how well the tooth is cleaned.
Can my old metal fillings be replaced with white ones? Yes, where there is a reason to replace them. A sound filling is often better left alone, because every replacement removes a little more tooth.
Does it hurt? With the tooth numb you feel pressure and vibration, not pain. Tell your dentist if you feel anything more.
