When is a filling needed?
The most common reason is a cavity (caries): tooth decay that, once it has passed through the enamel, does not heal on its own. We also place fillings for chipped teeth or corners, worn or leaking old fillings, and worn areas along the gum line.
The sooner a cavity is found, the smaller the filling and the more of your own tooth is preserved. This is why the periodic check-up is so important.
How does the treatment work?
The treatment is almost always carried out under local anaesthetic, so you feel very little of it. We remove the affected tissue, clean the tooth and build it up in layers with composite: a strong, tooth-coloured material that we match precisely to the colour of your own teeth. Finally, the filling is adjusted to the right height and polished, so that it feels comfortable and blends in neatly.
When a filling is no longer enough
For larger damage, or a tooth that already has many fillings, a filling may not provide enough support. In that case we discuss more durable solutions, such as a build-up or a crown. You always receive a clear proposal first, with the considerations and an estimate of the costs.