Tooth Fillings in Esher and Wandsworth

A tooth filling is a common dental procedure that involves the repair of a decayed or damaged tooth. It is a restorative dental treatment that is used to fill a cavity in your tooth, holes, or fractures in the teeth. The filling material is placed in the cavity or hole to restore the tooth’s normal function and shape, prevent further decay or damage, and improve its appearance.

Tooth fillings can be made of different materials, such as amalgam (a mixture of metals), composite resin (a tooth-coloured material), porcelain, or gold. The type of filling material used depends on the extent of the damage, the location of the tooth, and the patient’s preference.

Getting a tooth filling is a relatively simple and painless procedure that can usually be completed in one office visit. After the tooth is numbed with a local anaesthetic, the dentist will remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth, clean the cavity, and fill it with the chosen material. The filling is then shaped and polished to match the natural contours of the tooth.

Overall, a tooth filling is an important dental treatment that can prevent further damage to the teeth and improve oral health. If you suspect that you have a cavity or damaged tooth, it is important to see our dentist as soon as possible to determine if a filling is necessary.

Getting a tooth filling is a common dental procedure designed to restore damaged or decayed teeth. There are several reasons why a dentist may recommend a tooth filling, including cavities, cracked or broken teeth, and tooth decay. When left untreated, cavities and decay can cause serious problems, like tooth damage, infections, and even tooth loss.

Cavities are the most common reason for getting a tooth filling. Cavities are small holes that form in the enamel of the tooth due to bacterial plaque buildup. This can be caused by poor oral hygiene, sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and even genetics. If left untreated, cavities can grow larger and cause pain, sensitivity, and even infection. A filling can help stop the cavity from growing and prevent further damage to the tooth.

Cracked or broken teeth can also be repaired with a filling. Teeth can become cracked or broken due to accidents, trauma, or even chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candy. A filling can help restore the shape and function of the tooth and prevent further damage.

Tooth decay is another common reason for getting a filling. Decay occurs when the bacteria in the mouth produce acid that slowly erodes the tooth’s enamel. Over time, this can lead to cavities and tooth decay. A filling can help stop the decay from spreading and restore the tooth’s function.

Overall, getting a tooth filling is an essential procedure for maintaining good oral health. If our dentist recommends a filling, it is important to schedule the procedure as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the tooth.

To find whether you need a tooth filling contact our dental practice in Wandsworth or our Esher dental practice.

Your smile is incredibly important to us. For that reason, we rely on white ceramic and composite tooth filling materials, utilising the most advanced materials and techniques. These can be either customised free-handed or pre-fabricated by one of our carefully selected laboratories in order to produce beautiful natural looking teeth.

The benefit of these tooth fillings are that they are virtually imperceptible when compared to natural teeth. Similarly, they restore the function of a tooth’s structure that has been damaged by dental decay. Even if you are unhappy with the appearance of your old metallic fillings, why not pop in to have a discussion and see how one of our specialists can help you.

If you are in pain with a decayed tooth, it may be necessary for the Dentist to place a temporary filling. It is better to not leave a decayed tooth exposed as it is high risk. The temporary filling acts as a protective barrier while you wait to have your permanent restoration.

Preparing for a tooth filling is relatively simple and straightforward. Before your appointment, you should make sure to inform our dentist of any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies you may have. This will allow them to take any necessary precautions and ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure.

In addition, you should also let our dentist know if you experience any anxiety or discomfort during dental procedures. They may be able to offer sedation or other options to help you relax and feel more at ease.

On the day of your appointment, it’s a good idea to eat a light meal beforehand. This will help prevent any discomfort or nausea associated with receiving a filling on an empty stomach.You should also plan to arrive at your appointment a few minutes early to allow time for any necessary paperwork or updates to your medical history.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that tooth fillings are a common and routine dental procedure. While it’s natural to feel a bit nervous or anxious, rest assured that our dentist will do everything possible to make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

If you’re scheduled to have a tooth filling, it’s understandable to feel a bit nervous or anxious about the procedure. However, it’s important to know what to expect so that you can be prepared and comfortable during the process.

Firstly, our dentist will begin by numbing the area around the tooth with a local anaesthetic. This will ensure that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.Next, the dentist will remove any decay or damage from the tooth and will prepare it for the filling. This involves cleaning the tooth and shaping it so that it can hold the filling material.

Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will fill the cavity with the chosen filling material. There are several types of fillings available such as amalgam, composite, and porcelain fillings. The dentist will discuss with you which filling material is best suited for your case.

After the filling is placed, our dentist will smooth and polish it to ensure a comfortable bite. You may feel some pressure during the procedure but it should not be painful.

Once the filling is complete, our dentist will give you instructions on how to care for your filling and how to maintain good oral hygiene. You may also be advised to avoid certain foods and drinks for a certain period of time.

Overall, the tooth filling procedure is a common and routine dental treatment that is usually completed within one appointment. It’s important to follow our dentist’s instructions and attend regular check-ups to ensure the longevity of your filling.

Book an appointment today to find out more about what tooth fillings involve at our dental practice in Wandsworth or our Esher dental practice.

Fillings are safe and effective however, some people might experience discomfort or some tooth sensitivity afterward. After you get your filling your face may still feel a bit numb for several hours after. You may have a bit of difficulty eating or talking but that feeling should subside and resolve itself within a few days. 

Here are some tips for looking after your filling after the appointment:

1. Avoid eating or drinking anything for at least an hour after the procedure to allow the filling to set properly.
2. Do not bite down on hard or chewy foods for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
3. Sensitivity is common after a filling, especially to hot or cold temperatures, so avoid consuming extremely hot or cold foods and drinks.
4. Avoid consuming foods or drinks that are high in sugar content as it can damage the filling and lead to further decay.
5. Brush and floss regularly to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent further decay.
6. If you experience any pain or sensitivity after the filling, consult our dentist immediately.
7. Attend regular dental check-ups to ensure the filling is still in good condition and to prevent any further dental issues.

If you are experiencing extreme pain or discomfort including fever, redness or swelling that continues over a week, you should call your dentist right away.

Ask our Wandsworth dentists or our Esher dentists to find out more about looking after a tooth filling.

Dental fillings are one of the oldest and best ways to fill cavities and restore decayed teeth. Their function is to cover the exposed inner tooth and protect it from infection and further decay. 

Cost: There are a few different types of fillings but most of which are fairly inexpensive. 

Quick procedure: The dental work can be carried out and completed in just one visit. 

Long lasting: Fillings are very strong, durable and long lasting. 

Appearance: Tooth coloured filling restorations produce a natural appearance.

Contact us today at our dental practice in Wandsworth or our Esher dental practice to find out more about how tooth fillings can restore your smile.

As with any medical procedure, tooth filling carries some risks and potential complications. While rare, complications from a tooth filling can occur and it’s important to be aware of them before undergoing the procedure.

One potential complication is tooth sensitivity, which is a common side effect of tooth filling. This sensitivity can last for a few days or weeks after the procedure, but it usually goes away on its own. In some cases, the sensitivity may persist and require further treatment.

Another potential complication is an allergic reaction to the filling material. This is rare, but if you have a known allergy to any of the materials used in the filling, you should inform our dentist before the procedure. Our dentist may recommend an alternative filling material or take other precautions to minimise the risk of an allergic reaction.

There is also a small risk of infection or damage to the nerve in the tooth during the filling procedure. Our dentist will take steps to minimise these risks, such as using sterile equipment and taking X-rays to ensure the filling does not damage the tooth’s nerve.

It’s important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with our dentist before undergoing a tooth filling procedure. Our dentist can provide you with more detailed information about the risks and potential complications of tooth filling and help you make an informed decision about your dental care.

• Brush twice a day: Brush your teeth twice a day, preferably after meals, using fluoride toothpaste. This will help prevent bacteria from building up in your mouth and causing dental problems.
• Floss daily: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline. It’s important to floss at least once a day to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Avoid hard foods: Avoid eating hard foods, like candy or ice, that can damage your teeth.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals will help maintain good oral health. Avoid sugary or acidic food and drink.
• Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups will help our dentist identify any issues early on.

There are several different materials that can be used for tooth fillings, each with their own pros and cons.

Gold tooth fillings – These are made from cast gold and are very long-lasting, at least 10 – 15 years in most cases. However, they are more expensive than a lot of other options and do require at least 2 appointments to implement. Although some patients do prefer the look of gold fillings, you may prefer something more subtle that blends with your natural tooth colour.

Silver tooth fillings – Like gold fillings, silver fillings are strong and long-lasting, also lasting for at least 10-15 years. However, similar to gold fillings again, they do not blend in with the natural colour of your tooth and may stand out. Silver fillings can also cause discolouration to the surrounding tooth. In same cases, more of the tooth needs to be removed to make room for silver fillings when compared with other materials.

Tooth coloured composites – These fillings are crafted to match the natural colour of your teeth, allowing them to blend in and become unnoticeable. These is especially advantageous if they are used for more visible teeth further forward in the mouth. Less of the tooth is required to be removed to fit a tooth-coloured filling in a lot of cases.

However, they are not as durable as many other materials, sometimes only lasting at least 5 years. They can sometimes chip or wear down over time faster than gold or silver. They can also take slightly longer to complete when compared with other materials, as well as being more expensive.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your old metallic fillings, you can book an appointment in one of our clinics and our specialists will discuss how they can help you. 

You are able to replace your old silver filling to a composite (white) filling if you would like. This can be done by simply replacing the old filling with a new one.

White fillings are known as composite resin fillings and they closely resemble the colour of your tooth. The benefit of these tooth fillings are that they are virtually imperceptible when compared to natural teeth.

Similarly to your current filling, they restore the function of a tooth’s structure that had been previously damaged by tooth decay with a more natural looking material.