If you have a cavity or damaged tooth, a filling can restore its strength and function.

Tooth decay is caused when patients’ consume food in high sugars on a regular basis. As a result of excessive sugar intake, leads to a build-up of plaque and bacteria which then leads to tooth decay. Inconsistent brushing and flossing can also contribute to the problem and make tooth decay significantly worse.Tooth decay often starts off as minor and small but if nothing is done about it at your local dentist, it can escalate and the worst case scenario may be tooth extraction or gum disease.
These are white coloured fillings essentially made of resin. White fillings have always been considered less long-lasting than silver fillings but there are now modern materials available with properties comparable to silver amalgam, and these are proving to be very successful.
Tooth-coloured fillings are much better suited and used for small to mid-sized fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. Moreover, they can be used for either the front or back teeth. If you are a patient that cares about the aesthetics of your teeth, tooth coloured fillings are the perfect option as they are a popular choice for a more natural look.
Dental amalgam is the traditional silver-coloured filling we are all familiar with that is made from a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin and copper. Research into the safety of dental amalgam has been carried out for over 180 years and to date, no reliable controlled studies have found an association between amalgam fillings and any medical problem. Whilst composite (tooth coloured) fillings are becoming more popular, amalgam fillings are still durable and long-lasting restorations.
Dental Amalgam Fillings are highly durable, long-lasting and are still one of the best fillings available to this day. They are particularly beneficial for patients that have high risk of tooth decay and they are also really cost-effective, in comparison to alternative fillings.
The procedure for having a filling done is fairly simple and straightforward for our dental professionals. Once you are nice and comfortable, it’s likely that we will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area we are treating so that we can remove all the parts of the bad tooth. Secondly, our dentists will make sure to clean out the area to make sure that the remaining tooth is completely free of any bacteria that could cause infection. Finally, the tooth is then filled and coated to resemble your natural tooth colour.
The length of time that fillings last can vary from patient to patient. However, on average, fillings are likely to last anywhere between 5 and 25 years. The durability of your fillings will depend on the type of filling and materials you choose, how well you look after them and your general day-to-day hygiene habits.