WHITE FILLINGS
One of the most common dental procedures, white fillings are suitable for patients of all ages, including children.
At Loy Dental Care, we use white composite fillings to fill in cavities and small cracks in teeth, or to restore a chipped or worn-down tooth. Unlike metal amalgam fillings that are very obvious in the mouth, white fillings are made from a dental resin composite that our dentists can match to your original tooth shade. This offers a more discreet and natural-looking finish.
Why choose a white tooth filling?
White fillings are an aesthetic and practical choice for tooth restoration. These fillings are made from a dental resin composite that can be colour-matched to blend in with your natural teeth, so no one except your dentist will know you've had work done.
Compared to traditional metal amalgam fillings, white composite fillings have a number of advantages for patients. White fillings are:
- More discreet – tooth-coloured fillings are less visible in the mouth than black or metallic fillings
- 100% metal free – composite resin fillings don't contain mercury or other potentially hazardous materials
- Less invasive – less preparation is needed for a white filling, which preserves more of the tooth
- Less sensitive – unlike metal fillings that can conduct heat, white fillings don't usually increase sensitivity to hot and cold
Do I need to replace metal fillings?
If you have existing 'silver' fillings, our dentists at Loy Dental Care can replace them with white fillings.
Although metal fillings are considered safe, many people today are choosing to have them removed and replaced with a white filling to improve the appearance of their smiles.
How is a composite filling placed?
If you choose to have a white filling at Loy Dental Care, we'll explain what the procedure involves so you'll know what to expect.
Before we begin, we will numb the area of your mouth being treated using a local anaesthetic, so you won't feel pain.
We will then open the cavity or damaged part of the tooth using a dental drill.
This makes it easier for the composite resin to be administered. We will only remove as much of the tooth's structure as is strictly necessary.
After removing the damaged tissue and cleaning the area, we will then apply the dental resin composite and build up the white filling in your mouth.
This resin bonds with the tooth enamel and hardens quickly to form a protective seal.
Finally, we will sculpt and polish the surface of the filling for a natural-looking finish.
White fillings risks and recovery
Getting a filling is a non-surgical procedure with minimal risks. The treated tooth may feel more sensitive after the procedure, but this will usually disappear after a few days.
If a filling is built up too high, this can cause problems with chewing or put strain on the jaw joints. This needs to be corrected by a dentist.
If a filling gets damaged or knocked out, it will need to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Our dentists will inspect the condition of your fillings every time you visit us for your regular check-up.
What are the alternatives to white fillings?
- If a tooth is too severely damaged to repair using a filling, we may recommend a dental crown.
- If tooth decay or a crack has reached the centre of your tooth, you may need a root canal.
- If a tooth is too badly damaged to repair using a filling or crown, it may need to be extracted. Our dentists always try to save a healthy tooth and only extract teeth as a last resort.
Book an appointment for white fillings
Are you suffering from a toothache or sensitivity and think you could benefit from a filling? Contact our team today to discuss white fillings at Loy Dental Care.
