What is a white filling?
Where a tooth has decayed, the decay needs to be removed to stop it developing further and potentially causing pain and infection. When the cavity is small enough, we can restore the tooth using a material which looks just like the healthy part of the tooth.
Who is a white filling for?
You may need a white filling if you have let your teeth develop decay, or if a tooth has broken on something and a more extensive restoration is not required.
How does a white filling work?
Usually, we make the tooth numb with a painless local anaesthetic. Often, we will fit one rubber sheeting over the tooth so that we can treat it without any saliva getting onto the tooth, and so that you are not bothered by the water from the drill. Once all the decay is gone, we rebuild the tooth by bonding a composite material, matched to your specific tooth colour, to the remaining tooth. The rubber sheeting is removed, and we check that it works with your bite.
How long does a white filling take?
That depends on how extensive the decay is, but a white filling can take anything from 20 minutes to over an hour. We will advise you of the timing before treatment begins.
How much does a white filling cost?
As above, this depends on how extensive the decay is. White fillings cost from £231 for private patients and from £157.50 for Dental Subscribers.
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Frequently asked questions
Will a white filling hurt?
How long will a white filling last?
Can I eat the same day as having a filling?