In most cases, if a patient has a cavity, a filling will be recommended, but which type of filling is best and what happens when you have a tooth filled?

At Harley Street Dental Studio, we are delighted to offer tooth-coloured, invisible fillings, which restore your teeth without impacting on the aesthetic of your smile. We are proud to be an amalgam-free dental practice and we are happy to replace old metal fillings with beautiful white fillings.

About invisible fillings

We are proud to offer an array of natural looking restorations, including white fillings made from composite resins and inlays and onlays made from porcelain. Natural looking restorations fulfil their restorative roles, as well as complimenting the natural teeth for a beautiful and healthy smile.

White fillings are an increasingly popular alternative to metal amalgam fillings. Some people have concerns about the safety of mercury amalgam fillings and these fillings are also highly visible when you smile or open your mouth to speak or cough. With white fillings, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, healthy, functional fillings, which won’t detract from your beautiful smile.

What happens when a tooth is filled?

It takes around one hour to fill a tooth and the procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you don’t need to worry about feeling any pain. The aim of filling a tooth is not just to fill the cavity, but also to remove any decayed tissue to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria spreading through the tooth. Before the tooth is filled, the cavity is cleared completely and the tooth is cleaned thoroughly. Once the cavity is clean, bonding agent is applied and this ensures that the dental composite adheres. The filling material, the composite, is then inserted into the cavity. At room temperature, composite is similar in consistency to putty; this means that it can be shaped very easily to fit the cavity. When your dentist is happy with the filling, they will shine a curing light onto the tooth and this sets the composite, making it firm. Once the filling is hard, your dentist will trim it to make sure of a perfect fit and the procedure will then be over.