Fillings & whitening
Most cavities can be repaired with a tooth-coloured filling in a single visit. If your teeth are healthy but stained, professional whitening can lighten their natural colour.
You may need a filling if
- A tooth is sensitive to sweet, hot or cold
- Food keeps getting stuck in one spot
- You can see or feel a hole or a dark area
- An old filling is broken or has a gap around it
Two treatments on this page
Decay is removed and the tooth is rebuilt with a tooth-coloured composite. When a cavity is very deep and close to the nerve, the aim is to protect the pulp and keep the tooth alive. If the nerve is already damaged, root canal treatment may be needed.
Whitening lightens the natural colour of your teeth under a dentist’s supervision. We check your teeth and gums first, because cavities and gum problems should be treated before whitening.
What happens, step by step
- Check-up
We examine the teeth, and take an X-ray if needed to see how deep the decay goes.
- Numbing
Local anaesthetic is used for most fillings.
- Removing decay
The decayed part of the tooth is removed and the cavity is cleaned.
- Filling
Composite is placed in layers, hardened with a curing light, then shaped and polished to fit your bite.
How many visits? A filling is usually done in one visit.
Afterwards
- Wait until the numbness wears off before eating, so you do not bite your cheek or lip.
- Mild sensitivity after a deep filling can last a little while. If it gets worse, or you get throbbing pain, call us.
- After whitening, temporary sensitivity is common. Tea, coffee and tobacco will stain the teeth again over time.
Doctors who provide fillings & whitening
Questions about fillings & whitening
Will whitening change the colour of my crowns or fillings?
No. Whitening only works on natural teeth, so existing crowns and fillings may need replacing to match afterwards.
Is whitening safe?
When done under a dentist’s supervision after a check-up, whitening is generally safe. Temporary sensitivity is the most common side effect.
How long does a filling last?
That depends on its size, where it is and how well the tooth is cared for. Regular check-ups let us spot a failing filling early.
Clinical content reviewed by Dr. Navin Sah. This page explains the treatment in general terms. Your own plan is decided after an examination.
Ready for a healthier smile?
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