Fillings

Fillings are a commonly-used method of treating dental decay, caused by sugary food and drink.

We all know sugar is no friend to teeth and that it causes your tooth enamel to soften, leaving you susceptible to a cavity or hole, in the tooth. The role of a filling is to remove the decayed matter and (as the name suggests!), fill the hole in order to prevent further decay.

How a filling will benefit you

• Dental decay can impact your ability to chew and even make it quite painful. A filling will eradicate this pain and allow you to enjoy eating again.
• Prevent the spread of decay to neighbouring teeth.
• Fillings have come a long way over the years and can now be performed to look in keeping with the natural aesthetic of your smile.
• If cared for correctly, fillings can last up to 15 years. Look after your filling by brushing twice a day for 2 minutes, flossing once a day and consistently attending routine check-ups with your dentist and hygienist.

What to expect when having a filling

We will check your tooth using a small mirror to inspect your tooth surfaces, searching for signs of decay or small cracks and fissures. A straightforward process requiring only one or two appointments, fillings are minimally invasive and carried out with your unique smile aesthetic in mind. The material used to fill the tooth will be a close match for your natural tooth shade – nobody needs to know you’ve even had a filling. An anaesthetic is used to numb the area and to ensure you are comfortable throughout. Once the area has been cleaned, the tooth is filled and set using a special light. It’s then polished and any necessary minor adjustments are made. You can leave the practice decay-free and with a healthier-looking smile.

House of Dental: a preventative approach to dentistry

Our philosophy is very much focused around the idea of prevention, in order to reduce your chances of needing treatment such as a filling and more serious intervention. We can’t stress how important routine check-ups with the dentist and hygienist are, as they allow us to address any problems (such as early signs of tooth decay) before they require complex treatment. If left untreated, tooth decay could lead to tooth extraction. It’s often difficult to spot potential problems with your smile at home in the mirror and in many cases, problems don’t manifest any symptoms. In visiting us regularly, you are greatly diminishing your chances of any oral and dental health issues going unnoticed.