Fillings

Fillings are a common dental treatment to fill cavities caused by decay or damage.

What is a filling?

A filling is an amalgam or resin composite material. Dental fillings are used to repair tooth cavities where teeth have been damaged by decay.

Fillings can relieve the pain and sensitivity often caused by cavities. Fillings strengthen and prevent further damage as well as extend the life of the tooth.

What is the treatment for a filling?

A dental X-ray of your mouth and teeth will enable your dentist to establish the extent of the cavity.

During a filling treatment, your dentist will begin by numbing the area around the damaged tooth with a local anaesthetic.

The cavity is then accessed by removing damaged and decayed parts of the tooth. A cavity can often remain hidden under the tooth surface. The cavity is then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Grey amalgam or tooth-coloured composite resin is then used to fill up the hole. The surface is smoothed off to remove rough spots.

Your dentist will then check your bite to ensure there is no discomfort when you close your teeth together.  The surface of the filling is then polished.

Do I need a filling?

If you experience these symptoms you may have a cavity that requires a dental filling:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Toothache
• Bad breath
• Dark spots on the tooth surface
• Pain when biting

After a dental examination, your dentist will advise you on the most appropriate course of treatment, which may involve a filling.