Dental fillings in Tenbury Wells
What is a dental filling?
A filling repairs a tooth where decay has eaten a hole, called a cavity, in the enamel. The dentist removes the decay and fills the space with a material matched to the job, so the tooth is sealed, strong and comfortable again. At Tenbury Dental Centre fillings cost between £81 and £185, depending on size.
Decay happens when bacteria in plaque produce acid that erodes the surface of the tooth. Left alone, a cavity deepens towards the nerve, which is when pain starts. Because you can have a cavity and feel nothing, regular examinations are the most reliable way to catch one while it is small.
Fillings are done under local anaesthetic, and if you are nervous, two of our dentists provide conscious sedation.
£81 to £185You might need a filling if
A tooth is sensitive when you bite into something hot or cold
You feel a twinge in one part of your mouth when you eat something sweet
You can see a dark spot or a hole in a tooth
Food keeps catching in the same place
An old filling has chipped, cracked or fallen out
Your dentist has spotted decay at a check-up, even though you feel nothing
Many cavities cause no symptoms at all, which is why we take X-rays when needed and ask you to come for an examination twice a year.
Which filling material is right for the tooth?
Your dentist recommends the material based on where the tooth is, how big the filling is, and your budget.
| Composite | Amalgam | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A tooth-coloured resin | A silver-coloured metal alloy |
| How it looks | Matched to the colour of your tooth | Noticeably metallic |
| Best suited to | Small to medium fillings on front and back teeth | Back teeth, where strength matters more than looks |
| Visits | One | One |
| Cost | From £81 | From £81 |
A filling in three steps
Numbing
A local anaesthetic is placed in the gum beside the tooth so the area is fully numb. If you are anxious, sedation can be arranged in advance.
Removing the decay
The decayed part of the tooth is cleaned away and the cavity shaped to hold the filling. A lining may be placed first if the cavity is deep.
Filling and finishing
The material is placed, shaped to the tooth and hardened, then your bite is checked so it feels right when the numbness wears off.
Most fillings are done in one visit of around 30 to 45 minutes.
Had composite filling to fix the gap between my front teeth last week. In 40 minutes Vish had fixed an issue that had affected my confidence from childhood. Such a pro, my teeth look totally natural. I only wish I’d had it done years ago. Thank you so much.
Lindsey Swift, Google review
Fillings, root canal and extractions
| Fillings, root canal and extractions | Fees |
|---|---|
| Fillings | Fees: £81 - £185 |
| Root canal treatment | Fees: £475 - £725 |
|
Extractions
Simple through to complex. |
Fees: £89 - £240 |
How do I know if I need a filling?
Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet things, a visible hole or dark spot, food catching, or an old filling that has chipped are the usual signs. Many cavities cause no symptoms, so the only reliable way to know is an examination, with X-rays where needed to see between the teeth and under old fillings.
Does having a filling hurt?
The tooth and gum are numbed with local anaesthetic first, so you should feel pressure and vibration but not pain. The injection itself is the part most people notice, and we use a gel to numb the gum before it. If you are anxious, two of our dentists are trained in conscious sedation.
Which filling material is best for me?
It depends on the tooth. Composite is tooth-coloured and suits most small to medium fillings. Amalgam is strong and economical on back teeth. Your dentist recommends the material based on the tooth, your bite and your budget.
Can you replace my silver fillings with white ones?
Usually, yes. An amalgam filling that is sound can be left alone, but if it is worn, cracked or you simply want a tooth-coloured one, it can be replaced with composite. We will tell you honestly whether a filling needs replacing or whether it is a cosmetic choice.
How much does a filling cost?
Fillings at Tenbury Dental Centre are £81 to £185 depending on the size and material. See our fees page for the full list.
Can I eat straight after a filling?
Wait until the numbness has worn off, usually a couple of hours, so you do not bite your cheek or tongue. Composite fillings are hardened straight away, so you can eat on them once feeling returns. If a filling feels high when you bite, call us and we will adjust it.
Sensitive tooth? Let us take a look
A small filling now is simpler than a bigger repair later. Call us or ask for a callback and we will find you an appointment.
Fillings £81 to £185. Treatment is subject to an examination. Every mouth is different, so what is right for you is something we work out together at your consultation. Individual results vary. Or get in touch here.
Dental crowns in Tenbury Wells from £695 to £850 in zirconia or Emax. When a filling is no longer enough, a crown protects the tooth and matches your smile.
Check-ups, fillings, crowns, bridges, gum treatment, root canal, dentures and extractions in Tenbury Wells. Prevention-led private care with two sedation-trained dentists.