White Fillings

What Are the Benefits of White Fillings

The main reason for choosing white fillings for our Patients in our Oxford dental practice is because they blend in much better with the surrounding teeth. However, there are more reasons for choosing white fillings over other methods:

They look natural - Amalgam fillings will blacken over time and are very visible in the mouth. White fillings match your tooth colour and give you a natural look.
They don't contain mercury - Although undamaged mercury fillings appear to cause no danger to most people, plenty of patients prefer white fillings because they’re made of composite resins and contain no metals of any kind.
They require a less invasive procedure - White fillings are placed differently from amalgam fillings and require less removal of healthy tooth structure. That means your dentist can preserve more of your healthy tooth and maintain the tooth’s integrity long-term.
They cause less tooth sensitivity - Metal is a great conductor of both hot and cold temperatures, increasing the likelihood of tooth sensitivity.
They bond better - Composite resins are applied to the tooth layer by layer, bonding with the tooth material for a virtually seamless fit that won’t shrink over time as amalgam fillings can.
They are easily shaped - Not only can white fillings be expertly tinted to match your tooth material, but they can be expertly shaped to match the tooth’s natural contours too.
They can be repaired - If a metal filling is damaged, the entire filling must potentially be removed (increasing the potential for exposure to mercury vapour). If a composite filling is chipped or damaged, often it can be repaired in place, simply by applying additional composite material and shaping it.
They are very durable - Composite resins are extremely strong and durable, making them a great choice for fillings in any tooth, including your hard-working molars.

What is the Process of Applying White Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings can be used on decayed, worn or damaged teeth and will usually be placed in a single appointment and are fully set by the time you leave the dental chair!

Your dentist will:

Usually numb the tooth and adjacent area with an injection - some small fillings may not need this.
Use one of a variety of means to isolate the tooth and keep it dry.
Remove any decay, together with any old filling material, and shape the cavity using a small high-speed drill.
Apply a special adhesive to the tooth, typically in two or three stages, and then place the filling, again in stages.
Harden the filling material between stages of the filling procedure, by the use of a bright light shone inside the mouth – this is called ‘curing’.
Trim the filling as necessary and then polish it, checking that you can bite together comfortably

In which situations can white composite fillings be used?

Decayed teeth - Your dentist will begin the procedure by removing decay and the cavity formed will be filled by white composite filling material. Old metallic fillings or silver fillings can be replaced with composite ones to improve cosmetic appearance.
Minimally invasive bonding - If you have an irregularly shaped tooth, then a composite filling can be bonded onto the tooth, giving it the desired shape.
Damaged composite filling - If you have a broken or chipped filling, dental composite fillings can be used to repair the tooth, restoring it to its natural colour and making it functional and cosmetically appealing.
Gap closure - If you have gaps in between your teeth, a composite filling may be used to close these gaps.
Worn teeth - Composite fillings can be used to build up worn or damaged teeth with minimal or no tooth structure removal. The composite filling will be placed, shaped and polished, restoring the tooth to its original shape and function, thereby giving a more youthful appearance. This is an inexpensive and minimally invasive option, often not even requiring any local anaesthetic.

How Much Do White Fillings Cost?

While white composite resin fillings are more expensive than silver amalgam fillings, due to the extra time and materials needed to place them, the benefit of retaining the appearance and structural integrity of your natural teeth is well worth it. We only use the best quality composites, backed by years of research, known for their exceptional durability that look like your natural teeth. See our fees and monthly payment plans here. See our fees and monthly payment plans here.

FAQs

Are White Fillings for Me?

If you have minor tooth decay, chipped or broken teeth, or want to replace your metallic filling, then white fillings will be an ideal treatment for you.

Why Do I Need A Filling?

Fillings are used to fill in cavities that develop at the outer surface of the tooth. It is important to fill those holes to protect the tooth from further injury and lessen the risk of bacterial infection that can spread to other parts of the tooth. Once enamel is weakened, the risk of tooth decay is increased and a filling will help to keep your tooth healthy.

How Long Will My White Fillings Last?

On average, white fillings can last between 7 to 10 years or longer with proper care, depending on various factors, including the size and location of the filling, oral hygiene practices, diet, and habits such as teeth grinding.

However, it’s essential to note that they may require replacement eventually due to wear and tear, chipping, or decay around the filling edges. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor the condition of your fillings and determine if any maintenance or replacement is necessary.

How Long Will It Take for Me to Recover After the Treatment?

Your tooth will remain sensitive to heat and cold for around 2 days after the treatment. Any pain will be mild and you will be able to resume your normal activities within three days.