Dental Fillings London

A filling restores a tooth that has been damaged by decay, a crack or wear. At Lunar Smile Dentistry in London, we use tooth-coloured composite materials that closely match natural enamel, so your restoration is strong, durable and blends in with your smile.

Tooth-coloured composite restorations

At Lunar Smile Dentistry, we use mercury-free composite fillings designed to match your natural tooth shade. Advantages include:

• Direct bonding: Bonds to your tooth structure for added support.
• Preserves tooth structure: Usually requires less removal of healthy tooth than traditional silver (amalgam) fillings.
• Conservative preparation: Allows smaller, more targeted cavity preparations.
• Natural appearance: Blends in with your natural teeth.

What to expect during your filling

A composite filling is usually completed in a single visit:

• 1. Numbing & preparation: We numb the area, then gently remove decay and shape the tooth to receive the filling. If dental visits make you anxious, ask us about dental sedation.
• 2. Placement & curing: The composite resin is applied in layers and hardened with a special light.
• 3. Shaping & polishing: We check your bite and polish the filling so it fits the natural contours of your tooth.

Inlays & onlays for larger restorations

When damage is too extensive for a standard filling but does not call for a full crown, an inlay or onlay (partial crown) may be recommended. These custom-made restorations replace larger sections of the tooth and give it added support. Placement is typically completed over two visits at Lunar Smile Dentistry. If the damage is more severe, a dental crown may be the better choice, and if decay has reached the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed first.

Preventing new cavities

Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and keep your regular checkups. Fluoride treatment can help strengthen enamel, and our pediatric dentistry team can help keep children's teeth cavity-free. If a filling breaks, falls out or you have a toothache, call us. See our emergency dental care page for what to do until you are seen.

Dental filling FAQs

How do I know if I need a filling?

Common signs include a visible hole or dark spot on a tooth, sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold, pain when biting, food that keeps catching in one spot, or a rough or broken edge. Cavities often cause no symptoms at first, which is why regular exams and X-rays matter.

Is getting a dental filling painful?

We aim to keep you comfortable. Your dentist numbs the area with local anesthetic before removing decay, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some sensitivity afterward is common and usually settles within a few days.

What should I expect after a filling?

Your lips, cheek or tongue may stay numb for a couple of hours, so avoid chewing until the numbness wears off to prevent biting yourself. Mild sensitivity to hot, cold or pressure is common for a few days. Call us if your bite feels uneven or high, or if pain is getting worse instead of better.

How long do composite tooth-coloured fillings last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, composite fillings typically last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or longer, depending on their location, size and your chewing habits.

What is the difference between a filling and an inlay or onlay?

A composite filling is placed directly into the cavity and shaped in a single visit. Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations made outside the mouth to repair larger damage that needs more support than a standard filling can provide.

Do I need to replace my old silver fillings?

Not always. Old fillings are usually replaced when there is a reason, such as wear, cracks, leaking edges or new decay underneath. Your dentist will check them at your exams and tell you if any need attention.