Restores your tooth and prevents further decay
A dental filling repairs a tooth affected by decay or damage, restoring its strength and function while sealing the cavity to help prevent bacteria from causing further tooth decay.
First line of defence
Tooth Fillings
Our tooth-coloured fillings restore teeth affected by decay or damage while maintaining the natural appearance of your smile.
Dental fillings
Using tooth-coloured materials, we repair cavities and damaged teeth while preserving the natural appearance, strength and function of your smile.
Do you need a tooth filling?
If you find you’re suddenly sensitive to hot or cold foods, feel a sharp pain when biting down, or are simply experiencing a dull, steady ache, it's possible you have a cavity. And the solution for dealing with a cavity, the result of tooth decay, is usually a dental filling.
When a tooth is damaged due to trauma or decay, its structure can be lost. At the Indigo Dental Practice in Jersey, our dentists will assess the condition of your teeth during your consultation to determine the extent of the damage and the best course of action for restoration, which may include tooth fillings.
There are several materials available for tooth fillings, each with its own benefits. The choice of material will depend on the tooth's location and strength requirements. We will inform you of all options before finalising a dental plan, but most of our patients opt for tooth-coloured fillings. Sedation is available for nervous patients. We’ll make you as comfortable as possible.
Key points
What are the benefits and risks of dental fillings?
Dental fillings are a simple and effective way to treat tooth decay, restore damaged teeth and protect your long-term oral health. Understanding the benefits and potential considerations will help you feel informed and confident before your treatment.
Natural-looking results
Modern tooth-coloured fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, improving the appearance of your smile while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Temporary sensitivity
It's normal to experience some mild sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet foods or pressure after receiving a tooth filling, particularly if the cavity was deep. This usually settles within a few days.
Fillings may need replacing over time
Although dental fillings are designed to be durable, they are subject to everyday wear and tear. Regular dental check-ups allow us to monitor your fillings and replace them if they become worn or damaged.
The 3 phases of your dental filling treatment at Indigo Dental:
Tooth filling consultation
During the consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth and determine whether a filling is necessary. If a filling is required, the dentist will discuss the options available to you and help you choose the best option for your needs. You will have a choice of filling material.
Tooth filling treatment
The dentist will numb the area around the tooth to be filled using a local anaesthetic. This will help to minimise any discomfort during the procedure. The dentist will then remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will clean the area to remove any debris.
After the tooth has been cleaned, the dentist will place the filling material into the tooth. The filling material can be made of a variety of materials, including amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain. The dentist will carefully shape the filling material to match the natural contours of your tooth. This is a relatively fast treatment.
After the tooth has been cleaned, the dentist will place the filling material into the tooth. The filling material can be made of a variety of materials, including amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain. The dentist will carefully shape the filling material to match the natural contours of your tooth. This is a relatively fast treatment.
Tooth filling aftercare
You may experience some sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure, but this should subside within a few days. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to keep your teeth healthy and prevent future decay.
Protect your smile with natural-looking care
Modern tooth-coloured fillings restore damaged teeth while preserving their natural appearance and everyday function.
- Tooth-coloured restorations
- Gentle, comfortable treatment
- Long-lasting protection
Looking after your smile for the future
Treating cavities early helps protect your natural teeth from further damage. Our tooth-coloured fillings restore strength while blending seamlessly with your smile.
Meet our dentists
Meet the experienced team dedicated to helping you achieve your healthiest, most confident smile.
Frequently asked questions
Dental fillings FAQs
We've answered some of the questions we hear most often about dental fillings, including treatment, recovery and caring for your restored tooth.
Is having a dental filling painful?
Having a filling is a pain-free procedure at our practice. It is performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring that the area is numb and the patient is comfortable throughout the process. While it is common to experience some discomfort or sensitivity in the tooth after the filling is placed, this typically resolves within a few days as the tooth adjusts to the new filling.
How long does it take for a filling to be fitted?
Here at our Jersey dental practice, we pride ourselves on our fast-filling treatment. The process of getting a filling fitted typically takes around 30 minutes. The duration of the procedure largely depends on the extent of the decay in the tooth and the type of filling being used. Before the filling is fitted, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. Then, the decayed portion of the tooth will be removed, and the remaining tooth structure will be prepared for the filling.
How should I prepare for my filling appointment?
First, be sure to brush and floss thoroughly before your appointment to ensure that your teeth and gums are clean and healthy. When you arrive, be sure to let your Jersey dentist know if you have any concerns about the procedure or if you are experiencing any discomfort or sensitivity in your teeth.
What should I not do after getting a filling?
Avoid eating or drinking anything hot or cold for at least a few hours after the procedure. This can cause sensitivity and even pain. Additionally, avoid eating hard or sticky foods that can put pressure on the filling and cause it to crack or break. It is also important to avoid using your teeth as tools, such as biting on pens or opening packages with your teeth. This can cause damage to the filling or even your natural teeth.
How do I know if I need a filling?
Regular dental checkups are essential to maintain good oral health. During these appointments, a dentist can detect any dental problems, including cavities that require fillings. However, if you experience tooth sensitivity or pain when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks, there is a chance that you may have a cavity that needs to be filled. Other signs of a cavity include visible holes or pits on your teeth, a toothache, and bad breath. It is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. Neglecting to treat a cavity can lead to further dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
How long do fillings last?
The longevity of dental fillings depends on a variety of factors, including the type of filling used, the location of the filling, and the amount of wear and tear on the tooth. On average, dental fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, some fillings can last up to 20 years or more.