Filling

About Filling

Who it is for

• Anyone with a cavity, often first noticed as sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet things
• Chipped, cracked or worn teeth
• Old fillings that have broken, worn down or started to leak
• Signs of a cavity include a visible hole or dark spot, pain when biting and food getting stuck

What to expect

1. An examination and, where needed, an X-ray to see how far the decay goes.
2. Local anaesthetic to numb the tooth.
3. The decayed part of the tooth is removed and the area is cleaned.
4. The composite filling is placed in layers and hardened with a special light.
5. The filling is shaped, your bite is checked and the surface is polished.

Aftercare and good to know

• Your mouth can stay numb for a few hours, so avoid chewing and very hot drinks until the feeling returns.
• Mild sensitivity for a few days is common and usually settles by itself.
• Brushing, cleaning between the teeth and regular check-ups help your fillings last. Larger cavities may need a crown or a root canal instead.

Common questions

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