A filling is used to repair any teeth damaged by decay. Often referred to as cavities, tooth decay can lead to holes in your teeth and may well continue to grow, getting larger over time.
Cavities can affect anyone, but a few signs you might be in need of a filling are persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages, and pain when you bite down. You might even begin to notice food getting trapped in the damaged tooth. Regular check-ups will also help keep an eye on whether or not you need a filling.
Most fillings are made of either a composite or amalgam material. Amalgam fillings are the more traditional silver-appearing fillings, made up of an amalgam of silver, copper, and tin. These fillings are extremely hardwearing and can last for up to 40 years.
Composite fillings are designed to match the shade of the natural tooth as closely as possible. These filings are made of a composite plastic resin and most last for between 3 and 10 years. Another option is porcelain fillings.
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Read MoreWe are closed from the 20th of December until the 2nd of January for the festive period. We have kept appointments free in the diary for both the 2nd of January and 3rd of January to accommodate patients needing emergency appointments as soon as we re-open. If you wish to book an emergency appointment for either of these dates please leave a voice message after the tone on our practice landline answerphone with your name and number so we can arrange this for you as soon as we re-open. Alternatively, if you have an emergency that cannot wait please contact the team at the 247 dentist by calling 03301 759 995 who will help arrange an out of hours appointment with a private dentist operating from Grove Road, Sutton, SM1 2DB. We would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.