When your teeth are damaged as a result of decay or injury, dentists will often use fillings to help restore the teeth to their original shape and proper function. Dental fillings involve the use of an artificial material to fill in or patch up dental flaws such as cracks, chips, discolouration, gaps, uneven teeth and tooth decay.
What is a dental filling?
There are many types of filling. In the past amalgam fillings were the most commonly used, with some people opting for gold or porcelain fillings. At Riverside Dental Spa, we provide white (tooth coloured) fillings, made from composite bonding. This quick and affordable solution provides a natural looking filling that matches the teeth that surround it, ensuring that your filling is much more discreet than is the case with amalgam or gold fillings.
Fillings not only help restore the appearance of your teeth, but also seal off imperfections to help ward off decay and protect the root of the teeth, ensuring that you can continue to chew normally and without pain.
Do I need a filling?
Obvious tooth decay or damage to your teeth as a result of an injury can signal the need for a filling, but in most cases, only your dentist can see if you need a filling. During a general check-up, your dentist uses a small mirror in order to examine each tooth carefully. Should they notice any abnormalities, they will then use special instruments to get a clearer diagnosis of the problem.
Without regular dental appointments, many cavities and other dental problems go unnoticed, so it’s important to schedule regular check-ups to make sure any minor issues are found before they can get worse.
What does white filling treatment involve?
Once your dentist has inspected the problem tooth, they will then match the right colour of white filling to your teeth. Your dentist will remove any decay and clean the affected area before filling it, shaping the white filling so that the original tooth shape is achieved. Treatment can be completed in a single visit, unless you require fillings for multiple teeth. In most cases, the procedure takes between half an hour and a couple of hours, depending on the size and number of fillings needed.
If you feel that you may need a filling, or need to book a routine dental check, please call Riverside Dental Spa today on 020 7091 0677.
