Dental Fillings in London
Why do People Need Fillings?
Fillings are needed when there is decay in the tooth creating a cavity (hole) in the tooth. If this isn’t treated then bacteria can work its way into the tooth leading to infection and disease. If left untreated this becomes more and more painful and may lead to tooth loss if completely left untreated.
It is therefore advisable to do everything you can to avoid dental decay, so please read our oral healthcare advice section in conjunction with this part of our website.
The dental fillings procedure
We first remove all decay from the tooth and then fill the cavity with a dental filling material that is right for you.
Types of Dental Fillings & the Filling Materials Used
There are primarily 4 types of dental filling materials commonly used in our dental practice in London Euston, WC1 and most other dental clinics offered these same 4 types of dental filling; these are composite white fillings, porcelain fillings, gold fillings and traditional grey amalgam fillings, we will now take a few moments to look at each of these in turn.
Amalgam Fillings
These are the classic silver grey fillings which are so common. These fillings are not as aesthetically pleasing and attractive as their white filling counterparts however, generally speaking, we are able to preserve more of the natural tooth structure if we use an amalgam filling.
Preserving natural tooth is always of key importance to the dentist and this is why many practices continue to use amalgam fillings.
Amalgam fillings do contain mercury however the greatest risk is when your filling is being removed. Many patients ask for amalgam filling removal due to the mercury however it has been shown that most mercury is actually released during the removal process. For this reason, if you decide you want to have amalgams removed, it is best to attend a dental practice that have a special interest in this aspect of dentistry.
Composite or White Fillings
White composite fillings are a model alternative to the old Grey amalgam fillings. Generally speaking these fillings look far more aesthetically pleasing and blend in with the natural teeth around them. One minor problem with white fillings is that they could have a tendency to wear at a higher rate than the surrounding teeth, this means that it is possible that the filling could wear away. The good news however, is that white composite fillings are extremely easy to add onto if this happens.
Composite white fillings are much more popular alternative to amalgam fillings and are increasingly becoming the dental filling of choice in most practices. Certainly in our London dental practice we have noticed that the local people prefer white fillings because they blend in much better with the surrounding teeth.
Porcelain Fillings
The proper dental term for these is porcelain inlays however they perform the same function as a filling. Although porcelain sounds as though it is not very strong, this is actually far from the truth. The porcelain inlays that are used in dentistry are in fact made of an extremely high-strength feldspar quartz mixture which, when laminated or bonded onto the tooth, is extremely strong. Think about a laminated windscreen in your car, the individual components are not very strong yet when they are bonded together they become extremely durable. This is the same effect with a porcelain inlay.
We haven’t shown a picture of a porcelain inlay as quite frankly they blend in with the natural tooth so well that you wouldn’t be able to see it, much like a white filling really!
One of the disadvantages of porcelain inlays is that they are not immediate. Amalgam or white composite fillings can be made immediately in the dental chair whilst you are at the practice. Porcelain fillings need to be made by a highly skilled dental technician. This means that once we have removed the decay from your tooth we need to take a dental impression, this is then sent to the dental technician who can then make a porcelain inlay to fit into the cavity.
Whilst you are waiting for the technician to make your new porcelain filling you will be fitted with a temporary filling material. This does have a tendency to stain, especially if you like to eat chicken tikka masala, red wine and drink lots of coffee.
The manufacturing process takes around 1 to 2 weeks and once the porcelain inlay is fitted it should last for many years.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are also not as common nowadays, this is generally due to the cosmetic and aesthetic properties and more recently due to the price of gold! However, from a dental point of view gold is a perfect material. Gold is extremely malleable which means it can be easily formed to fit extremely accurately into the cavity created when we removed the decay. It is also extremely smooth which means that the opposing teeth are not worn away, as can be common with some other materials for fillings.
Gold is also completely inert, so it does not react with the body and is completely accepted by the oral environment without any problem at all. This makes gold one of the best materials to make use in your mouth from a purely scientific point of view, we do however realise that not everybody wants to have gold in their mouths! Dental fillings after-care
This really depends upon the type of filling that you had as to exactly how you need to look after it. The general rule is to be gentle on the tooth for a few days. Most of the time when decay is removed this can be traumatic to the tooth, and so eating soft foods for a day or two and avoiding extremely hot or cold food will always be kinder to your tooth.
If you have had a porcelain inlay which has been bonded to your tooth it may also take a few hours for the bonding glue to totally set, so we advise that you avoid extremely chewy foods also for a few days after having a dental filling.
At our London based dental practice in the heart of Euston, WC1 we offer a range of dental fillings to suit your clinical situation, aesthetic requirements and budget. The best thing to do is to request an appointment or complete the form to the right hand side of this page or pop in to see us.
How long do fillings last?
This really depends on the type of filling you’re opting for. Tooth-coloured (composite) fillings are much more popular as they are discreet and blend in with the natural teeth, however they are often viewed as being less durable when compare to their metal counterpart.
Typically, composite fillings can last between 10 and 12 years. Amalgam fillings last a little longer, usually around 15 years.
Do fillings hurt?
No, you shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort when receiving fillings with us. Before we begin the procedure, we will ensure your mouth is numbed so that the only discomfort you may feel is the sting from the local anaesthetic injection, which will stop you from feeling any further discomfort.
What do fillings do?
A build-up of plaque can sometimes lead to cavities in the teeth. This is caused by the bacteria found in plaque, which if left, can turn acidic and break down the surface of the tooth, leaving behind a hole.
In order to avoid infections, it’s important that these holes are filled – and that’s what fillings do. They are designed to repair cavities to precent pain and stop infection.
What types of fillings are there available?
There are wide range of fillings available, making it easy for you to fix any cavities in a way that suits your budget. The four main types of fillings, include:
- Amalgam fillings
- Composite or white fillings
- Porcelain fillings
- Gold fillings
Your dentist will be able to advise you how each type of filling differs, and the best type of filling to meet your budget and needs.
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“I am so pleased to have found this Centre. Efficient and helpful in every aspect”
Debbie Colson
“Always great service. All people working are on point”
Tatiana Ivanova
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Osvalda Daraseviciute
19:25 05 Feb 20
I was very impressed with The Dental Centre. Very clean, very organised, the equipment are the highest standard!
And... the staff are just amazing, Dr Jones is so nice, the nurses just the best nurses I have ever seen! And front of the desk.Thank you to all of you!
Highly recommended.read more
Sanghee Shin
15:58 28 Jan 20
Great experiences with the surgery. Dr Jones is very informative and skilled. Receptionists are efficient and helpful.
Martin Kukla
11:17 24 Jan 20
Really happy with this place. I come here for a few months, and the dental care is always top-notch. Truly recommend... Ronece as your hygienist! Great chat, and such a good energy (while also being very professional!). It feels like any treatment finishes in no time!read more
Science is the solution
00:04 14 Dec 19
This practice has the BEST customer service ever you could get in UK not only medical industry but also entire... industry.
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I am a PhD student at UCL. Firstly, I found the pracrice at UCL website and they take care of UCL students. Thus, I went to the practice because of terrifying toothache from wisdom tooth. I was panicked from upcoming intense pain but the receptionist tried to make me calm down and tried me to go throw emergency session ASAP on the day I just registered. Even the doctor was very calm and friendly. I could see he tried to arrange the next session ASAP to get rid of the horrifying pain.
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They are 100/100 professional with their title.
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I STRONGLY recommend this practice.
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Additionally they have [specialist orthodontist].read more
Ruth Birse
16:13 18 Nov 19
Very good dentist surgery. I always get a options on treatment. Whenever I've had to have an emergency appointment,... they have always managed to fit me in.read more
Sarah
14:36 14 Oct 19
I’ve been coming to Dr Jones for about ten years now and I’ve always been impressed by her attention to detail. I’m a... fairly nervous patient and she’s done some fairly complex work on me with utterly no pain and to a really high standard.
I had grinding pain for a number of years and she’s tailored a splint for me to successfully get rid of it. I briefly tried a new dentist when I moved house, but it just wasn’t the same and have since returned to her and now make the long commute to see her because of the level of care she provides. Highly recommend!read more
Jeremy Kavanagh
20:43 09 Sep 19
Great experience visiting The Dental Centre for the first time. Very friendly, helpful staff, a first class check up... from the dentist and exceptional clean from the hygienist. Will definitely return. Thanks to everyone there for looking after me 😁👍🏻read more
Robert Doel
14:46 16 Aug 19
Been to my second appointment at dental smiles had my impressions done it was a breeze, I have a diabolical gagging... reflex so I did what Dr Patel asked me to do and I went through it without any gagging whatsoever, in past times at other dentists it was always a rush to get you in and out with no consideration for the patients but at dental smiles what they have to do you comes second the nerves disappear after a reassuring chat and gentle approach they go through everything without any problems, which is why this is the dental practice to head for when you have any problems what so ever, don't be afraid of this practice, they are out of this world, ggggreat workread more
bob dylan
10:15 28 Jul 19
Told I needed a crown for a simple filling which fell out. Decided to trust her word and get it done. When the... temporary filling fell out, she was unavailable for a week, while I called every day, walking around with a hole in my mouth. Turns out she actually was in the practice, but was too keen to leave every day at 5pm to provide basic care to her customers.
Also told I needed a filling on another tooth for a superficial spot of decay. Saw another dentist about this who advised this is an out of date practice - superficial decay can recover and is best left to heal until it becomes a problem. Now I suspect the crown was also overkill to hand out a larger bill.
I was also advised to get a splint, which would cost £900 - the "Rolls Royce" of splints (how very professional...). Another dentist advised that this can be done for £450. Not the same "Rolls Royce" - but they at least provide a more affordable option.
Takes ages to get appointments - don't expect anything for 2 weeks. Receptionist seems to think she runs the practice.
Bottom line is this place is run as a business, not a health care facility. Private patients are subsidising care for students, but don't expect any better service for your hard earned money - you're just a number in their books, and they're going to try making that number as large as possible.read more
Toby Payne
08:08 17 May 19
I had a really great experience here, as a student. Friendly, quick and easy to book appointments. An appointment of... mine had to be rescheduled and the process was very straightforward and with no inconvenience, so am grateful to them for that. I would recommend to any London based students!read more
Giulia Barbareschi
20:15 20 Feb 19
I have been a patient for over three years now. Everyone at the centre is great. Dr Au is extremely competent and... always willing to explain the situation clearly so that the patients can make the best choice. The hygienists are very professional. The nurses are always nice and reassuring and the reception staff is lovely and super efficient.read more
Stefano De Luccia
14:25 23 Jan 19
I had a splint done with Dr. Jones and it was great. My jaw is already way better. I felt they really put a focus on... patient care and its a really lovely environment. Highly recommend it.read more
Greg
16:44 18 Jan 19
Good price and friendly, but I was told I need a filling however another dentist (who family members have used and... trusted for years) assured me that I don’t. I got the impression that they were more interested in me spending money than the health of my teeth. The dentist also recommended I pay something like £50 to attend a session on brushing. Overall not great.read more
Juliet Ellis
09:15 18 Dec 18
Carla and her team have looked after my teeth for 5 years now and I have always received excellent service even though... I can be an awkward patient particularly with taking impressions. Under her care I have become a less nervous dental patient. Gemma the hygienist also performs wonders to my teeth and in a very professional manner. The surgery has ultra modern equipment, with excellent reception staff who are always helpful. I highly recommend the practice.read more
Danny Dailey
09:24 03 Dec 18
These guys are on point!! A really client centred service the moment you walk through the door. I had a hygiene not too... many weeks ago with Emma which was the best I've ever had. Also what i really like is the that elite professionalism of Dr Jones is reflected in her front of house staff too, Jeeva always does an excellent job at making me feel welcome and valued, I'm really glad i found this place.read more
Martin Wright
19:07 06 Nov 18
Carla Jones at The Dental Centre has looked after my teeth for well over 10 years now, and has done a great job. I feel... in very safe hands with her. All the staff are warm and personable, and manage to combine being friendly with being super-efficient - a rare combination!read more