fillings

Fillings are a form of treatment for tooth decay or to restore a damaged tooth.
A cosmetic filling is one that blends in with the natural colour of the patients tooth.
A direct filling is one that is carried out in one visit by the dentist who restores a tooth with a filling material immediately after it is prepared.
An indirect filling, this type of filling is produced in a dental laboratory not by the dentist.

about fillings

Types of fillings

Fillings are a form of treatment for tooth decay or to restore a damaged tooth.

We can distinguish between fillings types by how they are carried out.

Direct fillings

A direct filling is one that is carried out in one visit by the dentist who restores a tooth with a filling material immediately after it is prepared.

Indirect fillings

The other type of filling is known as an indirect filling, this type of filling is produced in a dental laboratory not by the dentist. This type of filling takes two visits; the first is for the preparation of the tooth.

An impression is then taken and sent to the laboratory. The filling is fabricated and then sent back for the dentist to fit into the prepared cavity (this would have been covered with a temporary restoration whilst the filling was being made).

Cosmetic fillings

A cosmetic filling is one that blends in with the natural colour of the patients tooth. Direct cosmetic fillings are known as composite fillings.

Composite fillings are composed of acrylic resin and filler particles. The shape and density of the filler particles determines the strength and polish ability of the material – what this means is that different composite materials can be used in different sites depending on what is most appropriate i.e. posterior teeth are under greater forces and so stronger materials are required and anterior teeth are within the aesthetic zone and are more exposed to natural light and so polish ability and natural translucency become more important.

Composites are mainly chosen for aesthetic reasons, as many people prefer to have fillings that match the rest of their teeth rather than the distinctive silver fillings.

Indirect cosmetic fillings are usually porcelain based and as mentioned above are laboratory fabricated. What this generally means is because hours are spent by laboratory technicians on the shaping, strengthening and colour matching the filling we would say is as close to perfect as possible.

find us

Camberwell Dental Care
6 Camberwell Church St,
London, Greater London
SE5 8QU

appointments

to register with the practice or book an appointment please contact us or

Tel: 020 7703 0301

opening hours

Monday	08.30-13.00	13:45-17:15
Tuesday	08.30-13.00	13:45-17:15
Wednesday	08.30-13.00	13:45-17:15
Thursday	08.30-13.00	13:45-17:15
Friday	08.30-13.00	13:45-17:15

Saturdays and evenings by arrangement.