Fillings

When you need a filling, Huntingdon Smiles can help.

Most patients choose composite resin fillings (or white fillings), and they are now our most popular treatment option for restoring a tooth to function and integrity. The main advantage of white fillings is that they look natural in your tooth – they are virtually invisible in the mouth.

We cannot always see decay in a tooth with our eyes – especially if the damage has occurred between the teeth or below the gum line. This is why your dentist will take X-rays to see if there is any decay or how deep it is.

White fillings stick to the tooth surface tooth, so the tooth and filling better support each other and are much stronger for it.

Frequently asked questions

Do you put silver fillings in the teeth?

We do – they are better known as amalgam fillings. We still place them in back teeth, on the NHS, where there isn’t a big cosmetic need. However, they are not always suitable for every tooth, especially if a large amount of tooth has been lost – we may then recommend white fillings or even a crown on the tooth.

Should I worry about the mercury in silver fillings?

Silver, or amalgam, fillings do contain mercury, but once it is mixed up with other metals and placed in your mouth, it is not a risk to your health at all. It is safe to use. Many people consider white fillings to be the healthier choice.

I have a toothache – will a filling sort it?

It depends on what the cause of your toothache is. If it is because decay is irritating the nerves of the tooth, then a filling may fix it. If the decay is very deep, the nerve can be injured beyond repair, and you may also need root canal treatment – the dentist will assess the tooth and talk you through all your options.