What are white fillings?

A filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay or through accidental damage.

What will my dentist do?

Your dentist will:

  • Usually numb the are around the tooth with an injection - but some small fillings may not need this
  • Remove any decay, together with any old filling material, using a small high speed drill
  • Remove any weak part of the tooth which might break later
  • Wash and dry the tooth by blowing water and then air onto it (the dentist will be holding something which looks like a water pistol)
  • Etch the surface to be restored with a mild acid, to help the filling stick better 
  • Coat the surface that is to be restored with a bonding agent (which acts like cement) and then place the filling martial (this is pushed into the cavity, that is to be filled and its is shaped as required
  • Harden the filling by pointing a bright light at it, inside your mouth (you will see the dentist and dental nurse protecting their eyes) - this is called ‘curing’ : and 
  • trim and polish the filling as necessary 

What are the benefits?

Unlike silver (amalgam) fillings, white filling material sticks to teeth and can from edges, so it may be effectively used to repair from teeth that are chipped, broken, decayed or worn. It can also be used as a ‘veneer’ to cover marks or discolouration that cleaning won’t remove.

White fillings are less noticeable than silver fillings. which may turn black in the mouth. White fillings come in a range of shades so they can be matched to the colour of your own teeth.

A tooth needs less preparation for a white filling than for a silver filling.

White fillings can sometimes be used in back teeth if there is not too much decay or damage, but they maybe less durable that silver fillings under the wear and tear of chewing. White fillings are also more difficult to place in back teeth, as they need very dry conditions, which can be hard to achieve right at the back of your mouth.

> Fluoride

> Extractions 

> Root Canal Treatment 

> Crowns

> Dental X-Rays

> Gum Disease

> White Fillings