Fillings have been used for a number of years as an effective method of restoring teeth. Fillings can help to protect a tooth from further damage – if the tooth is left untreated it may well need to be removed at a later date. Our dentists will provide patients with advice as to when and if they may require a filling.
Traditional fillings were silver in colour and made with amalgam. These fillings are long lasting and work very well however they are fairly noticeable for patients and many feel self-conscious when smiling or laughing. The new style tooth coloured fillings have created a practical solution for this problem. The clinical innovations have lead to the production of tooth coloured fillings which are strong and long lasting. They feature different properties to the “amalgam filling” in that we can preserve tooth structure and bond to the tooth rather than cutting into the tooth to create slots for the material to hold to.
If your dentist has advised that you need to have a filling, they will firstly apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Next, any decay and debris will be painlessly removed from the tooth, before the area is lined to protect the nerve. The space will then be filled with the appropriate material. Finally, the dentist will use burs to polish the tooth to provide a comfortable finish.
To find out more about fillings or if you need to see a dentist to have a filling, please give Birchwood Dental a call on 01707 263270 to make an appointment.
