Composite Fillings in East Finchley for a Natural Smile

A composite filling is a good choice for many patients in East Finchley for both restorative and cosmetic reasons. You should consider this treatment if you have a new cavity that needs filling, as it's less invasive and bonds to the tooth. It's also a good option if you want to replace old dark amalgam fillings, especially in visible teeth. Composite bonding can fix small chips or close gaps, giving a quick improvement to your smile. The treatment works for front and back teeth and fits our prevention focused approach to dentistry.

Your comfort is our priority. First, the area around the tooth is numbed with a local anaesthetic so you won't feel any pain. The appointment for a single filling typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Next, the dentist carefully removes any decay and prepares the tooth surface. An adhesive is applied before the composite resin, which has a putty-like consistency, is placed in layers. Each layer is hardened in seconds using a special curing light. Finally, the dentist will shape and polish the filling to match the contours of your tooth, ensuring a comfortable bite and a smooth, natural finish. You'll be able to see the seamless result immediately after the procedure.

Recovery from a composite filling is very straightforward. Because the material is hardened instantly, you can eat once the anaesthetic wears off, which usually takes 1-2 hours. You may experience some mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days, which is completely normal and should subside on its own. To ensure your filling lasts for its expected 5-7 year lifespan, maintain excellent oral hygiene with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. While durable, composite material can stain over time, so we recommend limiting coffee, tea, and red wine. Red flags requiring contact: Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience a sharp pain when biting down, if the sensitivity doesn't improve after a week, or if the filling feels high or uncomfortable.

While composite is often the best choice, other options exist. Amalgam fillings are very durable and can be a cost effective option for back teeth where aesthetics aren't a concern. However, they are more noticeable and require more of the healthy tooth structure to be removed. For larger cavities where more strength is needed, a porcelain inlay or onlay might be recommended. These are custom-made in a lab and then bonded to the tooth, offering superior durability and stain resistance, though at a higher cost. We'll discuss all suitable options for your specific clinical needs during your consultation at our Finchley practice.

To make an informed choice about your dental care, whether with us or another practice in North London, here are some key questions to ask: - What shade-matching process do you use to ensure the filling looks natural? - How long can I expect this specific filling to last based on its location and my bite? - What are the full costs involved, and are there any alternatives I should consider? - Do you have before-and-after photos of similar cases you've treated? - What specific care instructions should I follow to prevent staining and maximise its lifespan?

As a private dental practice, we provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees. The cost for a composite filling depends on the size and location of the cavity but generally ranges from £150 to £350 per tooth. For example, a recent patient from East Finchley needed to replace a medium-sized amalgam filling on a premolar, which cost £220. Another patient from Highgate had a small new cavity on a front tooth filled for £160. We accept various private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception team to discuss your specific plan and get a personalised cost estimate for your treatment.