Fillings

Tooth decay occurs when we have too much sugar in the diet and the bacteria in the mouth use that sugar to produce an acid that softens and breaks down the tooth structure creating holes and cavities in it.

Tooth decay is not always painful until it progresses closer to the nerve in the tooth and by that point, treatment can become more complicated. This is one reason why regular six-monthly check-ups at the dentist are an important part of prevention and dental care. This is also why we recommend regular x-rays so that we are able to spot decay which is not always visible by looking at the teeth.

Once a cavity is detected we will discuss all the options available to restore the tooth to its natural shape and function using tooth-coloured filling materials.

The most commonly used material for fillings is composite resin. This is a tooth-coloured material that is placed into the tooth and then shaped and contoured into the correct anatomical form before it is set with a blue light. The filling is then smoothed and polished to make sure it does not retain plaque or food.

We will always make sure you are as comfortable as possible during the treatment procedure by ensuring you are completely numb in the area we are working on.