Dental Fillings in Swallownest, Sheffield

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are restorative dental materials used to repair and restore teeth that have been damaged by decay (cavities) or other forms of dental trauma. These fillings serve a dual purpose: they remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and then fill the resulting cavity to prevent further decay and restore the tooth’s function and appearance.

Dental fillings can be made from various materials, including amalgam (silver-coloured), composite resin (tooth-coloured), porcelain, or gold, and the choice often depends on factors like the location of the tooth and cosmetic considerations.

Who Needs Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are needed by individuals who have teeth with cavities or other forms of dental damage. Here are some common situations where dental fillings may be necessary:

1. Cavities: Dental fillings are most commonly used to treat cavities (dental caries) caused by tooth decay. When bacteria in the mouth produce acid that eats away at the tooth enamel, it results in cavities. Fillings help restore the damaged tooth structure.
2. Chipped or Fractured Teeth: Teeth can chip or fracture due to accidents, trauma, or biting on hard objects. Fillings can repair minor to moderate damage and restore the tooth’s shape and function.
3. Worn Tooth Surfaces: Teeth may develop worn surfaces over time due to grinding (bruxism) or abrasive toothbrushing. Fillings can rebuild and strengthen these areas.
4. Tooth Sensitivity: Sensitive teeth with exposed dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) can benefit from fillings, which cover and protect the sensitive areas.
5. Cosmetic Concerns: Some people choose fillings for cosmetic reasons, such as filling small gaps between teeth, improving the appearance of discoloured teeth, or reshaping irregular tooth surfaces.
6. Replacing Old Fillings: Old or damaged fillings may need replacement to maintain tooth health and function. Modern materials can provide better aesthetics and durability.
7. Preventive Sealants: Dental sealants are a type of filling used on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent decay in the deep grooves of these teeth, especially in children and adolescents.

The Benefits of Fillings

Dental fillings offer several important benefits for individuals with cavities or tooth damage. Here are some of the key advantages of dental fillings:

1. Restoration of Tooth Structure: Dental fillings restore the lost or damaged tooth structure, helping to maintain the tooth’s strength and integrity.
2. Pain Relief: Fillings are used to treat toothaches and sensitivity caused by cavities or dental trauma. They help alleviate pain and discomfort.
3. Prevention of Further Decay: Fillings seal off the cavity or damaged area, preventing the progression of decay. This can help avoid more extensive dental treatments in the future.
4. Improved Tooth Function: After receiving a filling, a tooth can resume its normal function, including biting and chewing. This ensures that you can eat comfortably and effectively.
5. Enhanced Appearance: Tooth-coloured composite resin fillings blend seamlessly with natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result compared to traditional amalgam (silver) fillings.
6. Minimal Tooth Sensitivity: Fillings can reduce tooth sensitivity by covering exposed dentin or repairing enamel damage.
7. Preservation of Tooth Structure: Unlike more extensive treatments like dental crowns or extractions, fillings require minimal removal of tooth structure, preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible.
8. Quick and Convenient: The process of getting a dental filling is typically quick and can often be completed in a single dental appointment.
9. Long-Lasting: Dental fillings made from high-quality materials can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
10. Preventive Dental Care: In some cases, such as with dental sealants on children’s molars, fillings can be used as a preventive measure to protect teeth from future decay.
11. Cost-Effective: Dental fillings are a cost-effective solution for treating cavities and minor tooth damage, especially when compared to more complex dental procedures.
12. Improved Oral Health: By addressing cavities and dental damage, fillings contribute to overall oral health and help prevent more serious dental problems.

The Process of Getting Fillings

The process of getting dental fillings typically involves the following steps:

1. Diagnosis: The process begins with a dental examination. Our dentist will visually inspect your teeth and may use X-rays to identify cavities or areas of tooth damage that require fillings.
2. Anaesthesia: If the tooth needing the filling is sensitive or if the filling procedure is likely to cause discomfort, our dentist may administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area. This ensures that you won’t feel pain during the procedure.
3. Tooth Preparation: Once the tooth is numb, the dentist will use a dental drill or laser to remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. The tooth is then cleaned and prepared for the filling.
4. Filling Material Selection: Depending on the location of the tooth and your dentist’s recommendation, a suitable filling material is chosen. Common options include tooth-coloured composite resin, amalgam (silver), porcelain, or gold.
5. Filling Placement: The chosen filling material is placed into the prepared tooth cavity. For tooth-coloured composite fillings, the material is applied in layers and each layer is cured (hardened) with a special light. The dentist carefully shapes and contours the filling to match the natural tooth’s anatomy.
6. Bite Check: After the filling is placed, your dentist will check your bite to ensure that it is even and comfortable. Adjustments may be made if necessary.
7. Final Polishing: The filling is polished to a smooth finish to enhance its appearance and to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with your bite.
8. Post-Procedure Instructions: Our dentist will provide post-procedure instructions, which may include information on caring for the filled tooth, avoiding certain foods or habits, and any potential side effects to watch for.
9. Recovery: Recovery from a dental filling procedure is usually quick. You can resume normal activities and eating once the numbness wears off.
10. Follow-Up: The dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the filling is functioning correctly and to monitor your oral health.

Why Choose Anderson & Broadberry Dental Care for Fillings?

Choose Anderson & Broadberry Dental Care for your filling needs, and experience affordable, high-quality, and personalised dental care.

• Affordable Pricing: Our amalgam fillings start from just £102, and composite fillings start from £132, providing cost-effective options for dental restorations.
• Experienced Dentists: Our experienced dental professionals are skilled in performing both amalgam and composite fillings, ensuring excellent results.
• Material Options: We offer a choice between amalgam (silver) and composite (tooth-coloured) fillings, allowing you to select the option that best suits your needs and preferences.
• Personalised Treatment: We provide personalised treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient, ensuring optimal dental care.
• Modern Techniques: We use the latest dental techniques and technology to perform fillings, ensuring precision, comfort, and efficiency.
• Comfortable Environment: Our dental clinic offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, making your dental visit as stress-free as possible.
• Patient-Centred Care: Your satisfaction and well-being are our top priorities. We focus on delivering patient-centred care that exceeds expectations.
• Comprehensive Dental Services: In addition to fillings, we offer a wide range of dental services to address all your oral health needs under one roof.
• Preventive Approach: We emphasise preventive dentistry to help you maintain good oral health and reduce the need for extensive dental treatments.
• Long-Lasting Solutions: Our dental fillings are designed to be durable and long-lasting, ensuring the restoration of your tooth’s functionality and appearance.