Dental Fillings in Worthing

You may need a filling if you have a cavity (hole) in a tooth caused by decay, a chipped or cracked tooth, a worn-down tooth, or an old filling that needs replacing. Sometimes cavities do not cause any pain, which is why regular check-ups are important - your dentist can spot early decay on examination or x-rays before it becomes a bigger problem.

Amalgam (silver) fillings have been used for over 150 years and are strong and durable, making them suitable for back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces. Composite (white) fillings are made from a tooth-coloured resin material that can be closely matched to your natural tooth colour. They provide excellent aesthetics and bond directly to the tooth, often allowing us to preserve more of your natural tooth structure. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride and are sometimes used for specific situations. We will discuss which material is most appropriate for your individual case.

Having a filling is a straightforward procedure. We numb the area with local anaesthetic so you will not feel pain. The decayed or damaged part of the tooth is removed, and the cavity is cleaned and prepared. The filling material is then placed, shaped to match your bite, and hardened. For composite fillings, a special curing light is used to set the material. The whole process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes per filling.

Old fillings can crack, wear, or develop gaps over time, allowing bacteria to get underneath. If an old filling is failing, we will recommend replacing it. Many patients choose to replace old amalgam fillings with tooth-coloured composite fillings for aesthetic reasons. We can assess your existing fillings at your check-up and advise whether any need replacing.