When a filling is the answer
Decay that has broken through the enamel will not stop on its own. Cleaning out the decayed tissue and filling the cavity halts it and restores the tooth to a shape you can chew on properly. Caught early, this is a short, straightforward appointment.
What we use
Tooth-coloured composite for most work, which bonds to the tooth and is almost invisible once finished. For larger cavities in back teeth, where the biting force is greatest, we will discuss which material will actually last longest in your mouth rather than which looks best in the chair.
Leaving it too long
A cavity that reaches the nerve stops being a filling job and becomes root canal treatment, or an extraction. That is the real argument for six-monthly check-ups: not the cleaning, but catching decay while it is still a twenty-minute fix.
Common questions
Will I need an injection?
For anything beyond a very shallow filling, yes. It is the difference between an uncomfortable appointment and a comfortable one.
How long does a filling last?
Years, often a decade or more, but it depends on size, position and how you look after it. We check existing fillings at every visit.
Can I eat afterwards?
With composite fillings, yes, straight away. Wait until any numbness has worn off so you do not bite your cheek.