Fillings are used to repair part of your tooth caused by decay or accidental damaged.
Amalgam (Silver) Filling
Amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for over 150 years. A mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper and mercury, make this strong, durable filling material still the preferred choice for the posterior (back) teeth. Amalgam, when hardened, is very strong making it ideal for filling decayed or damaged back teeth needing to withstand the heavy wear from chewing.
Composite (White) Filling
This glass, ceramic and resin mixture is used mainly in anterior (front) teeth due to the variety of tooth-coloured shades available. Composite filling materials have advanced over the years and although still not quite as durable as amalgam they can, if clinically suitable, be used as a more aesthetic alternative for fillings in posterior (back) teeth. Posterior composite fillings are available in our cosmetic treatment.
The dentist will numb the area around the tooth to be treated with local anaesthetic. Any decay or old fillings material will be removed and replaced with a new filling.
Benefits of filling
If a decayed tooth is left untreated, the decay may spread deeper into the tooth causing the nerve to become damaged; this could result in the need for root canal therapy to save the tooth or losing your tooth with an extraction.