Dental Fillings
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Composite
Composite fillings are more commonly know as ‘the white filling’ because of its tooth coloured appearance. There are various shades of composite filling that can be chosen by your dentist to closely match the surrounding teeth. These fillings are high in strength and require minimal healthy tooth removal.
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For all anterior teeth, composite fillings can be placed on the NHS. If you wanted composite on a posterior tooth and you are an NHS patient, this can be done on a private basis.
Amalgam
Amalgam fillings are more commonly known as ‘the silver filling’ because of its silver appearance.
Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper. These metals mixed together provide a strong, hard and durable filling.​
If a white composite filling is preferred by the patient and the dentist is able to place a composite filling it can be done on a private basis.
Glass Ionomer
Glass Ionomer Cements (GIC) are tooth-coloured like composite. They contain a component that releases fluoride into the tooth over time.
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Glass ionomer cement is usually used on a temporary basis to improve appearance of a tooth/to remove sharp edges when there is not enough time to place a more permanent filling such as amalgam or composite.
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It is well suited for small restorations and in children’s teeth.
