A filling is used to restore a tooth after decay has been removed, or to repair minor damage such as a small chip or fracture. It’s one of the most common dental treatments, helping to stop decay from spreading further and restoring the tooth’s shape and function.
At Dental Arts Studio in City Road and Enfield, London, our dentists assess your tooth and discuss the most suitable type of filling for your needs, explaining the process and costs before you decide whether to proceed.
A filling replaces the part of a tooth lost to decay or minor damage. Your dentist removes any decayed material, cleans the affected area, and fills the space with a suitable material to restore the tooth’s shape and function and help prevent further decay.
A filling may be recommended for:
A cavity caused by tooth decay
A small chip or crack in a tooth
Wear affecting the surface of a tooth
Replacing an older, failing filling
Where decay or damage is more extensive, a filling may not be sufficient, and your dentist may recommend a crown or other treatment instead, which they will discuss with you.
Signs You May Need a Filling
You may want to book an appointment with our team if you’re experiencing:
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
Visible dark spots or holes in a tooth
Pain when biting or chewing on a particular tooth
A rough edge or a piece of tooth that has chipped away
Not all decay causes noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why fillings are often identified during a routine check-up and X-rays rather than because of pain.
Types of Fillings We Offer
Composite fillings
Tooth-coloured fillings that blend in with the natural tooth, commonly used for visible teeth as well as back teeth. They bond directly to the tooth surface.
Amalgam fillings
A durable, silver-coloured material that has been used in dentistry for many years, generally reserved for back teeth where appearance is less of a priority. Amalgam fillings are not used for certain patient groups, including children under 15 and pregnant or breastfeeding women, in line with current UK regulations; your dentist will advise if this applies to you.
Ceramic fillings
Tooth-coloured and durable, often used where a larger restoration is needed but a crown isn’t necessary. These are typically made in a dental laboratory.
Glass ionomer fillings
A tooth-coloured material that releases fluoride, sometimes used for fillings near the gum line or in certain paediatric cases.
Your dentist will recommend the most suitable material based on the location and size of the filling, your bite, and your preferences.
Before Your Filling Treatment
Examination and X-rays
Your dentist examines the affected tooth and may take X-rays to assess the extent of decay or damage, including areas not visible to the naked eye.
Discussing your options
Your dentist explains the recommended filling material and why it’s suitable for your case, along with any alternatives.
Treatment planning
You’ll be given clear information about the procedure and cost before treatment begins.
The Filling Treatment Process
Step 1: Local anaesthetic
The area is numbed if needed, particularly for larger fillings or if the cavity is close to the nerve of the tooth.
Step 2: Removing decay
Your dentist removes the decayed or damaged part of the tooth and cleans the area thoroughly.
Step 3: Placing the filling
The chosen filling material is placed into the prepared tooth and shaped to restore its natural form.
Step 4: Checking your bite
Your dentist checks that the filling feels comfortable and that your bite is even before you leave.
Step 5: Finishing and polishing
The filling is smoothed and polished, particularly for composite and ceramic fillings, to leave a comfortable, natural-feeling surface.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
For suitable patients, a filling may help:
Stop decay from spreading further into the tooth
Restore the shape and function of a damaged tooth
Reduce sensitivity or discomfort caused by decay
Help prevent the need for more extensive treatment later, such as a crown or root canal treatment, if addressed early
As with any dental treatment, how long a filling lasts varies between individuals and depends on factors such as oral hygiene and the size and location of the filling.
Cost of Dental Fillings
The cost of a filling depends on the material used, the size of the filling, and the complexity of the case.
Treatment fees
We provide clear costs before any treatment begins, so you can make an informed decision without pressure.
Payment and finance
[Finance options](https://www.dentalartsstudio.co.uk/dental-finance/) may be available to help spread the cost of treatment where relevant — please ask our team for details.
Looking after your filling properly can help support its long-term success, although, as with natural teeth, this cannot be guaranteed.
Maintain good oral hygiene — Brush twice daily and clean between your teeth to help prevent further decay around the filling.
Attend regular check-ups — Routine reviews allow your dentist to monitor the filling and the health of the tooth.
Avoid biting very hard foods — Ice, hard sweets, or using your teeth as tools can damage a filling.
Expect some initial sensitivity — Mild sensitivity to temperature is common for a short period after a filling and usually settles.
Contact us if you notice a problem — Ongoing pain, a filling that feels loose, or a change in your bite should be checked as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a filling?
Signs can include sensitivity, visible dark spots, or pain when biting, though decay doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms early on. Many fillings are identified during a routine check-up and X-rays.
Does having a filling hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used where needed, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Some mild sensitivity is common for a short time afterwards.
Which type of filling is best for me?
This depends on the location and size of the filling, your bite, and your preferences around appearance. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable material for your specific case.
Are amalgam (silver) fillings safe?
Amalgam has been used safely in dentistry for many years, though current UK regulations restrict its use in certain groups, including children under 15 and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Your dentist will advise on the most suitable material for you.
How long do fillings last?
This varies depending on the material used, the size of the filling, and how well you look after your teeth, but many fillings last a number of years with good care. Regular check-ups help your dentist monitor this over time.
How much does a filling cost?
Costs vary depending on the material used and the size and complexity of the filling. We provide clear costs before any treatment begins so you know what to expect.
What happens if a filling falls out or breaks?
Contact us as soon as possible if a filling feels loose, falls out, or breaks, so the tooth can be reassessed and refilled or otherwise treated.
Think You Might Need a Filling? Book an Appointment
Addressing decay early can help avoid more extensive treatment later. Book an appointment with our team so we can assess your tooth and discuss the most suitable option for you.
Whether you’re a private dentist patient from City Road and Old Street looking for a lunchtime dental checkup or corporate dental care, or based in Enfield and after a weekend, Saturday, or late-night appointment, we’ll do our best to fit around your schedule, including same-day dentist availability.
