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  • 46-48 Liverpool Road
  • Penwortham
  • Preston
  • Lancashire
  • PR1 0DQ

Fillings

Dental fillings are required when a tooth has been damaged by decay and requires extra support. They can be used to restore damaged teeth, to treat tooth fractures or to assist with tooth sensitivity.

When you attend Penwortham Dental, the dentist will carry out a full examination and take x-rays if they feel you require a filling.

Patients with decayed teeth often experience symptoms such as toothache, sensitivity or pain when chewing or biting.

It is important to treat decay as soon as possible to prevent infection or deterioration of a tooth’s nerve.

The treatment

If it is found you require a filling, the following steps will be taken:

  • The dentist will first examine your mouth and take x-rays
  • Sedation will be used if you are a nervous patient. If you are happy to proceed without sedation, we will use local anaesthetic on the affected area.
  • The dentist will clear the decay from the tooth and clean the affected area thoroughly
  • The cavity left after the cleaning process will be filled with the dental filling. This closes up the hole or damage and prevents further decay
  • If required, the dentist will reshape the filling so your bite feels natural and comfortable
  • The filling will then be polished to achieve a smooth surface

Filling materials

A dental filling can be made out of a number of materials and the type used depends on the extent of damage.

The different filling materials are described below:

  • Composite (plastic) resins: These are chemically bonded to your tooth and strengthen weakened teeth. They are colour-matched to your teeth for a natural appearance
  • Resin Modified Glass Ionomer (RMGI): Generally, this type of filling is used for children and elderly patients as it is quick to apply, the process is more tolerable than other filling types and there is less need for local anaesthetic. A RMGI filling is tooth-coloured
  • Gold: Many dentists choose gold fillings as they can last for more than 20 years so are extremely hard wearing. However, this is a more expensive option and requires at least two visits
  • Porcelain: A porcelain filling is also called an inlay or an onlay. They are colour-matched to a patient’s teeth, resistant to staining from food/drink and cover the tooth. They are a similar price to gold fillings
  • Amalgam: These are commonly used as they are less expensive yet still strong, lasting up to ten years

 

Once your filling has been fitted the dentist will give you oral care advice to avoid the need for future fillings. They may recommend particular dental care products to protect your teeth from plaque build-up and decay.

To book a consultation, please call Penwortham Dental on 01772 742747 or click here to contact us.