Treatments
Dental fillings
Cleaning out the damaged part of a tooth and filling it with a material that restores the tooth's shape and function. Fillings placed today are tooth-coloured.
Who it is considered for
- Decay found during an examination or on an X-ray
- Sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold in one particular spot
- A tooth that has chipped or partly cracked
- An older filling that has cracked, started to leak or worn down
- Wear at the neck of the tooth
How the treatment works
- 1
Examination
An examination, and sometimes an X-ray, to see how far the decay reaches and how close it is to the nerve.
- 2
Local anaesthetic
Needed in most cases, depending on the depth.
- 3
Cleaning
The damaged tissue is removed, leaving sound tooth behind.
- 4
Filling
The material is placed in layers and set, then shaped to the contour of the tooth.
- 5
Checking the bite
Making sure the filling is not sitting high, so your bite feels normal again.
What to expect
- Most fillings are completed in a single visit
- Mild sensitivity to hot and cold in the first few days is not unusual
- You can eat once the anaesthetic has worn off
- A deep filling may need follow-up, and sometimes root canal treatment later
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this treatment
Does a filling last forever?
No. A filling is a restoration and it has a lifespan. It is checked at routine appointments and replaced when it cracks, begins to leak or wears down.
What is the difference between a white filling and amalgam?
A tooth-coloured filling bonds to the tooth structure, which allows less sound tissue to be removed. Amalgam is rarely used for new work today.
Why fill a tooth that does not hurt?
Decay progresses quietly. By the time it hurts it is usually close to the nerve, and the treatment then needed is more extensive.
Information on this site is general only and is not medical advice or a recommendation. Every treatment is determined individually after examination.
Dr. Khalil Kanani’s clinic is in Jadeidi-Makr. About Dr. Khalil Kanani · Contact & directions