White Fillings
Why would you want anything else!
Dental materials have advanced just like all other technology, so we want to make sure that we use the best materials, with the best science and put a filling into a tooth under the best conditions.
Filling materials are pretty amazing, imagine getting something that you can use everyday in nearly any way you want for years, and it gives you no trouble! iPhones, cars or even artificial knees don’t last like this! This is the experience for nearly everyone that gets a repair to a tooth using a filling. In engineering terms, that’s pretty incredible.
They do need to be looked after though, and like any repair, they have a lifespan. Over time a tooth is weaker with filling or the filling can begin to leak. This is like getting a leak in the roof of a house, it may not be a big issue at first, but it’s much easier to manage it proactively. So we check our fillings regularly and make sure they are still helping your tooth.
Why We Only Use White (Composite) Fillings
You might have heard them called white fillings, tooth-coloured fillings, or composite fillings. They’re all the same thing – and they’re the only type of filling material we use at Docklands Dental.
The old silver (amalgam) fillings did their job for decades, and we’re not going to pretend otherwise. But composite materials have come such a long way that there’s really no reason to use anything else now. They bond directly to your tooth, they look natural, and they allow us to preserve far more of your healthy tooth structure. That last point is a big deal – the more natural tooth we can keep, the stronger your tooth stays long-term.
What Happens When You Need a Filling
First things first – we’ll always explain exactly what’s going on before we do anything. If we spot something during your check-up that needs attention, we’ll show you what we’re seeing (we have intraoral cameras that make this really easy) and talk you through the options.
When it comes to placing the filling itself, the process is straightforward. We numb the area so you’re completely comfortable, carefully remove any decay, and then build the filling up in layers. Each layer is set with a special curing light. The whole thing usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and you walk out with a tooth that looks and feels like your own.
One thing we’re quite particular about is isolation. We use techniques to keep the tooth completely dry while we’re working, because composite materials bond best in dry conditions. It’s a small detail, but it makes a real difference to how long your filling lasts. We’re a bit nerdy about these things (in the best way).
Replacing Old Silver Fillings
A lot of our patients ask about replacing their old amalgam fillings with white ones. It’s one of the most common things we do, actually.
We won’t replace a filling just for the sake of it – if an old silver filling is doing its job and the tooth is healthy, there’s no rush. But if a filling is starting to show its age (leaking, cracking, or the tooth around it is weakening), then replacing it with a bonded composite filling is a great option. And yes, the cosmetic improvement is a lovely bonus.
We take particular care when removing old amalgam fillings, using proper isolation and suction to make sure everything is handled safely and cleanly.
How Long Do White Fillings Last?
This is probably the question we get asked most. And honestly, it depends. A well-placed composite filling in the right conditions can last ten years or more – some of ours have been going strong for much longer than that.
The main things that affect how long a filling lasts are the size of the filling, where it is in your mouth, how you look after your teeth, and (this is the bit we can control) how well it was placed. That’s why we’re so careful about technique, materials, and those little details like keeping things dry.
We check all your fillings at every routine appointment. If something is starting to wear or show signs of age, we’ll flag it early so we can plan ahead rather than deal with an emergency. Prevention over cure, always.
When a Filling Isn’t Enough
Sometimes a tooth has too much damage for a filling to be the best solution. In those cases, we might recommend a crown, inlay or onlay instead. These cover and protect more of the tooth and are made from stronger materials like porcelain. Our guide to choosing between a crown and a filling walks through exactly where that line falls, and what each option costs.
We’ll always be upfront about this. If a filling is the right call, we’ll say so. If something else would serve you better long-term, we’ll explain why. No upselling, just honest advice about what’s best for your tooth.
White Filling Costs in Dublin
The cost of a white filling depends mainly on the size – a small single-surface filling costs less than a large multi-surface one. You can see our current prices on our price list, and we’ll always give you the exact cost before any treatment so there are no surprises.
Most dental insurance plans cover fillings, so it’s worth checking your policy. We can help you with the paperwork for claims too – we know it can be a bit of a headache.
Ready to Book?
Whether you need a new filling, want to replace an old one, or just want a check-up to make sure everything’s in good shape – we’d love to see you. You can book online or give us a call. We’re always happy to chat.
