A white filling material (composite) is glued to the tooth and appears natural looking. It is alternative to mercury-based amalgam (silver fillings).

 

Composite bonding is an excellent advance in dentistry and offers many advantages for the patient:

 

• Looks great

• Feels smooth

• Cost-effective

• Long-lasting

• Eat and drink straight away

• Can be used to treat sensitive teeth

• Minimal / no drilling required

• Seals the tooth from bacteria

• Smoother and better seal than amalgam (mercury)

• Strengthens the tooth because the white filling is glued in

• Repairs can be done with white fillings

• Sticks to the tooth surface

• Can be used in deep tooth cavities with zero sensitivity

• Mercury free

• Routinely used as a core filling prior to crowning a tooth

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There is no disadvantage to using composite bonding. If the hole in your tooth is bigger, then alternative treatments will be offered.

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How do you ensure I don't swallow any of the mercury filling when it is drilled out?

• Powerful suction (hoover)

• Use of rubber dam

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When can composites be used in my mouth?

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• To build up broken teeth at the front and back of the mouth

• To repair decayed teeth

• To repair existing fillings

• When the patient suffers a dental injury

• To protect and build-up worn down teeth

• To replace silver fillings

• Can be an alternative and economical solution to crowns

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Would I need an anaesthetic (injection)?

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It depends on the tooth. Your dentist is best placed to make that decision. Your Premier Herts Dentist has developed his own technique to give virtually pain-free anaesthetic. Most small composite repairs can be done comfortably without an anaesthetic. We also offer sedation.

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I’ve got a hole in my tooth. What can be done?
 

Firstly, you need a dental assessment. We will explain your treatment options. A small to medium size cavity can be filled with composite.

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Do not leave a cavity unseen to, even if it is causing you no problems. It may soon turn into a dental emergency.

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Do composites hurt?

 

No.

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Can white fillings be placed on my back teeth (molars)?

 

Yes. We use a stronger type of composite for this situation.

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I have chipped my front tooth. What do I do?

 

Most patients will be worried about losing a tooth, especially if it will affect their smile. Dental injury is an emergency situation and requires prompt attention. Having a broken front tooth does not necessarily mean it needs to be removed; most times simple treatment such as a composite filling will restore the tooth back to normal. A dental assessment needs to be carried out.

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I have got old metal fillings which people can see when I smile. I want to get rid of them.

 

The dentist will assess your teeth and in most cases this is a routine procedure.

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I have got old stained fillings at the front of my mouth. Can anything be done?

 

We will explore the options available to give you the best smile. Treatment options include stain removal, new fillings or porcelain units.

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How much do composites cost?

 

Routine composite fillings start from £120 and very complex treatments can go up to £200 per tooth. The work we do is guaranteed and will last you a long time, so you're bound to get value for money. An indicative estimate will be given prior to commencement of the treatment.

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When can’t white fillings be used?

 

If the tooth has a very large cavity then it is best to avoid using composites. An alternative such as an inlay or a crown to protect and strengthen the tooth may be one of the options. Your dentist is best placed to make that recommendation.

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Can I go back to work and eat normally after the procedure?

 

Yes. You can carry on with your day as normal. Composites are made of strong materials which strengthen the tooth and you can eat on them straight after the procedure.