Fillings

Amalgam Fillings

Decayed or damaged teeth can be successfully repaired with amalgam fillings – a safe, cost-effective method that restores a tooth’s shape and functionality in a very durable way.

Amalgam fillings have been used for over 150 years and are made of a combination of metals including silver, tin, copper and mercury. The inclusion of mercury has caused some controversy but numerous scientific studies have dismissed any link between its use and any adverse health effects. Amalgam fillings are also inexpensive, durable and quicker to place than other types of fillings.

However, amalgam fillings are not recommended for pregnant women or suitable for those people who have an allergy to the metals in the amalgam. In these cases, or if you would prefer a less obvious restoration, composite (white) fillings can be used.

Treatment steps

• If necessary, a local anaesthetic is used to numb the area.
• The decayed part of the tooth is removed and the cavity cleaned.
• The amalgam is placed inside the tooth and shaped to fit.

White fillings

As well as providing an effective repair for tooth decay or damage, white (or composite) fillings offer a natural-looking alternative to more obvious amalgam ones, as they are made from a tooth-coloured resin, which blends in with your teeth.

They support the structure of a damaged tooth, helping to prevent further breakage and sensitivity and can be placed on the front or back teeth.

Treatment steps

• The area to be treated is numbed with a local anaesthetic and the decayed area of tooth removed.
• The colour-matched shade of composite is applied in layers.
• Each layer is hardened with a special bright light and the resin shaped to provide a functional restoration.

Although often considered to be a less durable method for filling teeth, composite fillings do have more aesthetic appeal and are now made from modern materials which offer improved durability. Their life expectancy will depend on the depth of the cavity to be filled and its position in the mouth.