Our general dental treatments are designed to prevent and treat dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Both these diseases are very common, but they are largely preventable. Whether you have existing symptoms of decay or are eager to keep cavities at bay for as long as possible, we can help!
About tooth decay
Tooth decay occurs when the protective enamel coating of the tooth becomes weakened, usually as a result of acid wear. Cavities are holes that form in the enamel layer. They are caused by harmful bacteria that combine with food debris to form plaque, a sticky substance that is colourless. When you eat, the bacteria in plaque release acids that gradually destroy the hard enamel. We use treatments to reduce the risk of decay and address signs of decay to make the teeth stronger and healthier.
You can reduce your risk of developing tooth decay by maintaining good oral hygiene at home, visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and eating well. We recommend brushing twice a day, every day, using fluoride toothpaste and monitoring your intake of sugary and acidic foods.
Fillings for tooth decay
The most common treatment for tooth decay is a filling. Fillings help to make the teeth stronger, as well as reducing the risk of infection spreading through the tooth. In the past, fillings were made from mercury amalgam, but now many people prefer to have white fillings, which are made from dental composite. Composite fillings are strong and durable, but they also offer natural aesthetics, as the composite matches the shade of your natural tooth.
Having a filling is nothing to be worried or alarmed about. We will numb the tooth completely before placing the filling so you will not feel any pain at all and the procedure takes less than an hour. We simply clean the cavity and remove all the decayed tissue before pouring in the composite and then setting it using a powerful curing light.
With today’s incredible modern materials, we are able to strengthen the teeth and fill cavities without detracting from the tooth’s natural beauty. With our tooth-coloured fillings, we can fill your cavities, while maintaining your beautiful smile!
All about tooth-coloured fillings
Tooth coloured fillings, also known as white fillings, are a mercury-free alternative to amalgam fillings. We place new fillings and we also offer a replacement service for existing metal fillings.
Our white fillings are designed to match the shade of your tooth to ensure that you cannot tell the difference between the filing and the rest of the tooth. They are made from composite and resins, which are safer and more environmentally friendly than metal amalgam fillings.
We may recommend that you have a filling if you have a decayed tooth and a cavity has formed in the tooth surface. Fillings strengthen the tooth, improve the function of the tooth and prevent pain and sensitivity. They also help to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the tooth.
The filling procedure
Before your tooth is filled, we will numb it using local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain at all. The procedure is fairly straightforward and involves two key stages. Firstly, the cavity is cleaned and any decayed tissue is removed. Once the cavity is clear, bonding agent is applied to the surface of the tooth to facilitate adhesion. The second stage involves placing the filling. The dental composite is placed inside the cavity and then shaped to fit the hole. Once the cavity has been filled, the composite is set hard using a curing light. Once the composite has hardened, your Clifton Dental Studio dentist will make any final adjustments and trim the filling to ensure that the cavity is filled perfectly.
If you have mercury amalgam fillings and you would like to replace them or you think you have a cavity, call us today and arrange an appointment.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
