How do I know if I need a filling?

A dentist is the only person who can confirm if you need a filling, however there are a few warning signs to look out for:

• Sensitivity or pain when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet foods (or temperature changes in general e.g. cold wind);
• Pain on biting;
• Black- or brown-coloured spots on any surface of the teeth;
• Obvious cavities or areas that act as a food trap.

These warning signs can mean that the problem is already quite advanced and failure to address the symptoms can even lead to painful tooth nerve inflammation. You can prevent this by attending regular examinations so that any problems can be detected early, and then make the relevant lifestyle changes.

Dental Composites: where art meets nature

Dental Composite is the material of choice for fillings. Modern composites come in a multitude of different shades, and effects and can be artfully blended into the original tooth structure so they are almost impossible to spot!

Our dentists are specially trained to provide the most aesthetic and realistic looking fillings. Composites can also be used to veneer front teeth as a kinder and more reversible alternative to porcelain.

Dental Composites conserve more tooth structure than old fashioned mercury fillings, and the latest bonding techniques ensure a strong adhesion to the tooth which is less likely to let bacteria leak through, leading to tooth decay.

When a larger filling is required in a tooth, sometimes it can be best to restore the tooth with a lab-made porcelain filling- or an inlay/onlay. They are indicated when there is too little tooth structure to predictably support a white filling but there is enough tooth to avoid placing a crown, which is more destructive to the tooth.