Traditional old-style amalgam fillings does not look nice because it is visible while smile and cause grey discoloration of teeth in long run

Silver amalgam fillings used to be very popular in the past because of their long-lasting nature, hard-wearing properties which make it an ideal filler for cavities. White fillings were not popular in the past because of their limited life span.

But that’s no longer the case. Modern tooth-colored fillings are very stronger and much longer-lasting than their traditional black counterparts. And they blend in so well with surrounding teeth that dentists affectionately refer to them as invisible fillings.

TYPES OF FILLINGS

We offer both kinds of fillings amalgam and composites (white filling). Amalgam fillings are provided under NHS or upon special request as privately. If you wish to have white cosmetic fillings in your molars or premolars then these would have to be paid for privately.

WHITE FILLINGS ARE VERY POPULAR

Looks
Natural

We call them invisible fillings as you can’t spot the difference between natural tooth and filling. Once it’s done, you don’t need to worry about advertising your cavities to the whole world.

Long
Lasting

Newer composite fillings now gives black amalgam a run for its money when it comes to its longevity.

Fast & Comfortable Treatment

We’ll administer an anaesthetic so you won’t feel any pain and in most cases, you’ll be in and out of the room in less than an hour.

Least
Invasive

Composite white fillings bonds to tooth so technically they are less invasive than amalgam black fillings.

FILLINGS – WHAT TO EXPECT

If you attend regular checkups at Sidegate dental, your dentist will spot any cavities in early stages before you do. If we do spot one, don’t worry. They’re one of the most easily treatable dental problems, and the treatment is quick and painless.

We’ll begin procedure by administering a local anaesthetic to freeze the area around the problematic tooth. Once it kicks in, we’ll clean the affected area in the tooth to make sure it’s free of debris and bacteria.

After the tooth is cleaned, it’s time to fill the tooth. Your dentist will have filling ready beforehand, matching it to the exact shade of the tooth if you decide to go for white filling. They’ll fill the cavity and set it with blue light. That’s all there is to it! The process doesn’t take long – usually under hour or so, depending on how many fillings are needed.

In case of amalgam black fillings, your dentist will pack the silver mixture in the cavity. It’s best to stick to a soft diet for a day or two after the procedure, and you can get straight back to your usual dental hygiene routine straight away as long as you take care around the new filling.

BEFORE & AFTER

Problem
Extensive amalgam filling with fractured inner wall of tooth.

Treatment
Refilling and repair with white fill (looks like real tooth).

Problem
Decayed tooth.

Treatment
White filling (spot the difference!).

Problem
Decayed tooth.

Treatment
white filling (Result natural-looking tooth).