Dental fillings are used to repair cavities, also known as tooth decay, in your teeth. The material used for the filling depends on the affected site and your own personal preferences. Composite resins are the most commonly used filling but others materials and methods are also available.

What are fillings for?

The most common reasons for fillings are wear and tear, cracks and holes in teeth known as cavities, or caries. If the caries is so widespread that it can no longer be stopped, the damaged tissue will need to be removed and replaced with a filling. Fillings are usually administered due to the presence of a cavity in your tooth. Other reasons include cracking, where a previously repaired tooth or an old filling has become damaged.  Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures.

How does it happen?

When a cavity has developed, the decay must be removed. Usually this is done by drilling the tooth with a turbine or micro motor drill. If the caries damage is limited, the decay can also be cut out by hand. Depending on the circumstances, a laser may also be used.

The same equipment is used to repair cracked teeth. The edges are smoothed out using a diamond burr or dental laser.

Once the decay has been eliminated, the site will be prepared with a specialist acid gel. Known as etching, this process is done to increase the bond strength between the tooth and the filling. The acid works as an adhesive that covers the newly textured surface, creating the ideal surface for the filling.

At PlusTerveys, we offer a number of fillings and methods to treat cavities. The materials vary in terms of how hard-wearing they are, how much they cost, how they look and how quick the treatment is. Your dentist will recommend the type of filling most appropriate for your circumstance. If there is a method you’re particularly interested in, check to see if it’s available at your local dental surgery by contacting your dentist or visiting our website. There are many different types of fillings available:

Compomposite fillings 

  • Composite resins are the most commonly used filling. Composites are good value for money, easy to mould and grey in colour.

Ceramic fillings

  • Ceramic fillings are individually hand made in a dental laboratory. They are ideal for repairing badly damaged teeth.

Ceramic CAD/CAM fillings

  • These ceramic fillings are designed using a scanner and CAD programme.

Temporary fillings

  • Can be used if you need a filling for a shorter period of time