Tooth-coloured white fillings in Nottingham

Decay is the most common reason. Once it gets through the outer enamel it won't reverse, and a filling stops it spreading further into the tooth. Early decay often causes no symptoms at all, which is why many fillings start with something we spot on an X-ray or at a check-up rather than with toothache.

You might also need a filling for:

• a chipped or cracked tooth where the damage is small
• an old filling that has broken, worn down or started to leak at the edges

If a lot of the tooth has been lost, a filling may not be strong enough on its own. In that case we'll talk to you about a crown instead.

Lots of patients ask about swapping old silver (amalgam) fillings for white ones. If an amalgam filling has broken, worn or has decay underneath it, we'll usually replace it with composite.

If it's sound and you'd like it replaced for appearance, we'll talk it through with you first. Removing any filling takes a little more tooth with it, so it's worth deciding together whether the change is worth it.

Most white fillings are done in a single visit.

• We numb the tooth with local anaesthetic. For some very small fillings it isn't needed, and we'll ask what you'd prefer.
• We remove the decay or the old filling and clean the tooth.
• The composite goes on in thin layers, and each one is set hard with a special light.
• We shape and polish the filling so it feels smooth and your bite is comfortable.

The filling is set before you leave the chair. If you've had an anaesthetic, wait until the numbness wears off before eating or having hot drinks, as it's easy to bite your cheek without realising.

With the tooth numb you'll feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. If you're nervous about dental treatment, tell us when you book and we'll take things at your pace.

A little sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days afterwards is normal and settles on its own. If it doesn't, or your bite feels high, give us a call and we'll adjust it.

A white filling needs the same care as the rest of your teeth: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth, and keep sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes. Composite can pick up stains from tea, coffee and red wine over time, and regular hygiene appointments help keep it looking its best.

We're at 22 Nottingham Road, Burton Joyce, with free parking and an easy drive from Gedling, Arnold, Carlton and Lowdham. We've been named Dental Clinic of the Year Nottingham and have more than 700 five-star reviews.

The cost of a filling depends on its size and position, so it varies from case to case. You'll get an itemised plan at your appointment before any work starts. For bigger repairs, see our restorative dentistry options.