composite fillings

Composite Fillings

Most people have fillings of one sort or another but today, because we are much more conscious of our smile, we can choose a natural looking alternative – the composite or tooth-coloured filling.

A composite resin is a tooth-coloured plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide) first introduced in the 1960s. Originally only used for front teeth because of their softer nature, modern improvements to their composition make them generically suitable today.

Composite fillings are more difficult to place than silver fillings so may take your dentist 15-20 minutes longer to complete and because they are considered to be a cosmetic treatment, they are not available on the NHS and must be paid for.

The main advantage of composite fillings is their aesthetic appeal. The main disadvantage is their life expectancy. White fillings have always been considered less long lasting than silver amalgam fillings but there are now new materials available with properties comparable to silver amalgam, and these are proving to be very successful. The life expectancy of your composite filling can depend on the depth of cavity and its position in the mouth; your dentist is best positioned to advise you.

Frequently Asked Questions

On average composite fillings last for 5-7 years.

Composite fillings are a very straightforward treatment and takes approximately 20 – 30 minutes to do. Then your dentist will numb the tooth and remove any decay of the tooth. The area will be cleaned that area to ensure the filling is applied correctly. Your filling is made based on the shape of your tooth and the area it will be filling. When your composite filling is placed securely it achieves a natural appearance and functions like any other natural tooth.

No, getting a composite filling is generally painless. This is because an anaesthetic is applied before to numb your tooth.

Composite fillings are very versatile. They can be used to fill a tooth that’s decayed, fix chips on front teeth, or build up worn teeth from grinding or erosion.

Composite fillings come in many shades to match your natural teeth. They’re almost unnoticeable and have a more natural appearance.

Patient Testimonials

See what our patients say about their experience here with us at East End Lodge.

Marilyn – Various Treatments

“I felt that treatment’s been really good from start to finish. I’ve been a patient here for probably over about 13 years, 14 years maybe, and every time I need to have a course of treatment, the appointments are really prompt, fit in around your lifestyle and around you when you can make it.

They explain everything, reassure you, make you feel not so worried about coming to the dentist, it can be quite a scary thing, they are really welcoming and put you at your ease.

Before, I used to be really conscious about my teeth and I didn’t like to smile very much, but they’ve been really quite good to me here. Seeing the hygienist has given me a confidence back that my teeth look quite nice.

I would recommend this practice to anybody that was looking for dentists, because, as I say, they’re really well organized, they always try to fit you in if you’ve got a problem. The staff are really friendly and welcoming, and I always feel well looked after.”

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