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What are Fillings?

Fillings are used to repair cavities that have occurred due to decay.

Why should I restore my teeth?

Restoring your teeth not only improves the overall appearance of your smile, but protects them from wear, damage, decay and disease. Seeking to restore your teeth at the earliest opportunity will reduce your chances of needing more serious restorative treatment in the future.

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Are fillings available on the NHS?

Fillings are available on the NHS under Band 2. Where clinically appropriate, a white filling may be used as opposed to an amalgam filling.

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How much do fillings cost?

To view the cost of filling at Quality Dental.

Please see our price list.

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How do I know if I need a tooth filling?

If you attend routine dentist appointments, your dentist will be able to identify if a tooth warrants a filling.

Signs that you may require a filling include:

  • Dark spots on your teeth.
  • A hole you can feel or see on a tooth.
  • Food is becoming stuck between specific teeth.
  • You have a rough, chipped or broken tooth.
  • You’ve lost or damaged an existing filling.

If you notice any of the above issues at home, it’s important that you make an appointment as soon as possible, rather than waiting until your next routine check-up.

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Reasons for wanting a tooth filling?

Fillings are commonly used to fill cavities caused by decay, and can also repair fractures and cracks in teeth. As the spaces where decay could potentially enter are closed off, fillings help to keep your teeth in tact and stop decay spreading to other teeth and areas of the mouth.

Fillings can also restore worn teeth and teeth affected by erosion, which causes your tooth enamel to wear away.

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What is involved in a tooth filling?

The steps involved in getting a filling are as follows:

  • Your dentist will examine the areas and establish the extent and location of decay present.
  • Your tooth and surrounding gums will be numbed with local anesthetic, so that you do not feel anything during the process of getting a filling.
  • The tooth is thoroughly cleaned to ensure there is no decayed matter remaining.
  • Once clean, the tooth is filled, and the type of filling used will depend on the tooth’s function and location in the mouth. Once filled, your dentist will finish and polish the filling.
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What should I do after a tooth filling?

While you are still numb, you should avoid chewing on the side of the mouth that has been filled, as this will protect it and stop you from accidentally biting yourself. You should also avoid biting your lip to prevent an ulcer and hot drinks in case you sustain an accidental burn due to your mouth still being numb. It’s normal to feel some sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink for up to a week after treatment. If this goes on longer than a week, please get in touch as this could indicate nerve damage, which may warrant treatment.

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How can I avoid needing a filling in the future?

Whilst fillings are highly effective at repairing cavities, it’s better if you can avoid needing them in the first place.

Here are some of the ways you can minimise your chance of needing a filling:

  • Cut down or avoid sugary and acidic food and drink.
  • Never miss a routine dentist or hygienist appointment.
  • Clean between your teeth with dental floss to remove food particles before brushing.
  • Change your tooth brush or electric toothbrush head a minimum of once every 3 months.
  • Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time, using an electric toothbrush. You should also floss at least once a day to reach all tooth surfaces and to remove any lingering food particles that cannot be dislodged through brushing.

During your routine appointments with us, your dentist and hygienist will offer you tailored advice on the types of brushing aids to use and how often to visit the practice. This will depend on the health of your mouth, teeth and gums.

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How long do fillings last?

Typically, fillings will last around 10 years though this will depend on how often you come in for your routine appointment to have their condition checked, where the filling is in your mouth and how rigorous you are with eating a healthy diet and looking after your teeth at home. It’s now possible to have discreet white fillings made from composite resin and thanks to advancements in dentistry, these can be made to be as long lasting as silver amalgam fillings.

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