What are white fillings?
White fillings are tooth-coloured repairs made from composite resin, a durable material shaded to match your natural teeth. At Caspian Dental Clinic, we place white fillings in Bushey to repair decay, rebuild chipped or worn teeth and replace old fillings that have started to fail.
Composite bonds to the tooth, so less healthy tooth usually needs removing than for a traditional silver filling. A well-matched white filling is hard to spot, even on a front tooth.
Signs you may need a filling
Early decay often causes no symptoms, which is why it’s usually found at a check-up with X-rays. Later, you might notice:
- sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold food and drinks
- a rough edge, chip or hole your tongue keeps finding
- food catching between two teeth
- discomfort when you bite
- an old filling that has cracked or fallen out
If you notice any of these, book a dental check-up so we can find the cause and fix it while it’s still small.
“Great, caring and professional treatment; very knowledgeable and had my first ever filling with barely any pain. Would highly recommend!”
Alex, Google review
Replacing old silver (amalgam) fillings
Amalgam is durable and has been used for many decades, and there’s no need to replace sound amalgam fillings for health reasons. Drilling out a filling that’s still doing its job removes some healthy tooth and briefly releases mercury vapour, so we won’t recommend it without a good reason, such as:
- decay underneath or around the edges
- a crack, chip or broken-down edge
- wanting a more natural look on a visible tooth
We’ll give you an honest view of whether each filling needs attention now or can be left alone. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, we’d normally postpone any replacement that isn’t urgent.
“I had a general check up, a filling replaced and a dental scrub. Dr Mirzakhani took the time to explain what my options were.”
David, Google review
Inlays and onlays for larger cavities
When a cavity is too large for a direct filling to last well, but the tooth doesn’t need a full crown, an inlay or onlay can be a good middle ground. These lab-made white fillings are made from tooth-coloured ceramic or composite and bonded in place.
An inlay sits within the grooves of the tooth; an onlay also covers one or more biting points. You’ll need two visits, with a temporary filling in between. Inlays and onlays start from £900. If the tooth is badly broken down, a dental crown may be better.
Fissure sealants to help prevent decay
Back teeth have deep grooves (fissures) where food and bacteria collect. A fissure sealant is a thin coating painted into these grooves and hardened with a light, usually without drilling or injections.
Sealants are often recommended as part of preventive care for children, and sometimes for adults with deep grooves. They cost £80 per tooth and are checked at each visit.
How a white filling is placed
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Examination and explanation
We examine the tooth, take an X-ray if needed and explain your options and the fee before anything starts.
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Numbing the tooth
We give a local anaesthetic and check that you’re numb before we start. Very small, shallow fillings sometimes don’t need it.
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Removing decay or the old filling
We clean out the decay or failing filling, keeping as much healthy tooth as possible.
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Bonding and layering
A bonding agent is applied, then composite is added in thin layers, each hardened in seconds with a blue curing light.
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Checking your bite and polishing
We shape the filling to your bite, check it with thin marking paper and polish it smooth. Most single fillings take one appointment.
Does it hurt, and will my tooth be sensitive?
With a local anaesthetic, most patients feel pressure and vibration rather than pain, and we’ll pause whenever you need. If you feel anxious, just let us know.
Some sensitivity afterwards is common, especially to cold, and usually settles within a couple of weeks. If your bite feels high, come back for a quick adjustment. If you have throbbing pain or swelling, contact us, as a deeply decayed tooth may occasionally need root canal treatment.
How long do white fillings last?
A composite filling typically lasts several years, but this varies with its size and your habits. Large fillings, grinding and frequent sugary snacks all shorten its life, and composite can stain slightly or chip at the edges over time. Regular check-ups let us repair small problems early, and if you grind, a custom night guard can help protect your fillings.
Aftercare for white fillings
- Avoid hot drinks and chewing until the numbness wears off, so you don’t burn or bite your cheek or tongue.
- Composite is fully set before you leave, so you can eat normally once the feeling returns.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily.
- Keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes.
The cost of white fillings in Bushey
A white filling costs £200 – £380, depending on its size and how many surfaces of the tooth it covers. Inlays and onlays start from £900 and fissure sealants are £80 per tooth. We confirm the right option and your fee after examining the tooth, before any treatment begins.
We accept cash and credit or debit cards (not American Express).
Why choose Caspian Dental Clinic for fillings?
You’ll see Dr Kimia Mirzakhani, our principal dentist, who has more than 25 years’ experience and explains your options and the risks clearly. We’re rated 4.9 out of 5 from 90 Google reviews.
We’re about 100 yards from Bushey railway station on the London Overground, so we’re easy to reach from Watford, and we’re open on Saturdays.
White fillings: your questions answered
How much does a white filling cost in Bushey?
At Caspian Dental Clinic, a white filling costs £200 – £380, depending on its size and how many surfaces it covers. Larger lab-made inlays and onlays start from £900, and we confirm your fee before we begin.
Should I replace my old amalgam fillings?
Not if they’re sound. There’s no need to replace intact amalgam fillings for health reasons, and removing them takes away some healthy tooth. Replacement makes sense if a filling is cracked, leaking or decayed around the edges, or if you’d like a more natural look.
Is it normal for a tooth to be sensitive after a filling?
Yes. Mild sensitivity to cold or biting is common for a few days to a couple of weeks, especially after deeper fillings. If it’s getting worse, your bite feels high or you have throbbing pain, contact us so we can check the tooth.
Are white fillings strong enough for back teeth?
Modern composite is strong enough for most fillings in back teeth. For very large cavities, a lab-made inlay or onlay, or sometimes a crown, may last better, and we’ll explain the options for your tooth.
Will white fillings whiten if I have my teeth whitened?
No. Composite doesn’t lighten with whitening gel, so existing fillings may look darker afterwards. If you’re planning whitening, it’s usually best to whiten first and then match any new fillings to your new shade.