Composite fillings, also known as white / tooth-coloured / invisible fillings, have replaced the need for amalgam material when filling in areas of teeth that have been affected by tooth decay and cavities. The majority of our patients in the UK are now choosing to have old silver fillings replaced and new cavities filled with composite solutions despite the fact that tooth coloured fillings are more expensive than silver fillings.
Composite fillings offer a number of benefits over silver amalgam fillings, which contain mercury and are considered by many to be toxic.
There are no known health risks associated with use of composite fillings. However, some patients do experience mild discomfort in the days following the procedure. Patients can expect to feel some pain and sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks, especially in the first week or two after treatment. This compared to the health and aesthetic benefits of invisible fillings is negligible.
After our dentist at Emergency Dentist London has determined which tooth is affected by decay, a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser will be used to remove infected areas of the tooth. Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. After the tooth has been sufficiently prepped, the dentist can fill in areas of the missing tooth a tooth-coloured composite material. If you have old silver fillings that need to be replaced, our dentist will remove the amalgam filling, clean out any underlying debris or damage, and mold the composite material to the tooth.
The majority of UK patients opt to have their cavities filled in with a tooth-coloured bonding material rather than the silver mercury fillings that were commonly used in the past. With composite fillings, the dentist uses dental devices that isolate the affected tooth so moisture does not prevent the composite material from properly bonding to the tooth. If the decay is near the root, our dentist may first put in a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve. The dentist then applies the composite solution to fill in the missing areas and provide more support to the tooth. A special light is held over the bonding material for a set amount of time until the filling hardens. When the multilayering process is completed, the dentist will shape the composite material to the desired result, trim off any excess material, and polish the final restoration.
When a new cavity needs filling, the vast majority of patients now choose tooth-coloured composite fillings. White fillings are made of composite resin and serve to fill cavities just like silver amalgam fillings. However, white fillings are matched to the colour of your teeth and are virtually invisible. Tooth-coloured fillings are more and more popular over the years. As the availability of white fillings has increased and the dangers associated with amalgam fillings have been publicized, patients are eager to have their their cavities filled with beautifully white, tooth-coloured fillings.
You can check out our prices here, dental fillings start from £117.
Read about root canal treatment here!