Dental Fillings in Finchley Central | White Composite Restorations

Book an assessment if you notice decay or damage. Common signs are a persistent dull toothache or a sharp pain when you bite. Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary foods lasts more than a few seconds. Sometimes you see a dark spot or a visible hole, or you feel a rough area with your tongue. A recent patient from Finchley Central came after a piece of an old metal filling broke off while eating. We replaced it with a durable white filling in under an hour. Address these issues early to prevent decay from spreading and avoid more extensive treatment such as a root canal.

Your comfort is our priority. A filling appointment at our Finchley practice lasts 30 to 60 minutes. First, we numb the area around the tooth with local anaesthetic so you feel little or no pain. Next, Dr. Reddy removes the decayed or damaged part and cleans the area to prepare it for the filling. Then the composite resin is applied in layers, with a special light to harden each layer. This rebuilds the tooth. Finally, Dr. Reddy shapes and polishes the filling to match your tooth and bite. You can leave soon after, though numbness may last a couple of hours.

After the appointment, avoid chewing on the numb side until the anaesthetic wears off, usually within 2 to 3 hours. You may have mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days. Use your usual over the counter painkillers if needed. To help your filling last, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Composite fillings are strong, but avoid biting into hard objects like ice or boiled sweets with the treated tooth. Red flags call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9 to 5, Tue/Thu 11 to 7): sharp pain when biting after numbness fades, sensitivity that worsens or lasts more than two weeks, or a filling that feels high and affects your bite.

While tooth coloured fillings look best, other options exist. Amalgam fillings are durable and often used for back teeth, but their silver color makes them less suitable for visible areas. For larger decay, an inlay or onlay might be better. These are custom-made in a lab from porcelain or gold and bonded to the tooth, offering extra strength. In cases of extensive damage where the tooth structure is severely compromised, a dental crown that covers the whole tooth could be the best long term solution. We will discuss all appropriate options during your consultation.

As a fully private practice, NHS treatments are not offered. The cost of a private dental filling depends on the cavity size and the material used. White composite fillings are priced based on this complexity. During your initial consultation, we provide a transparent treatment plan with all costs clearly outlined, with no hidden fees. A recent patient near Finchley Central needed to replace a leaking metal filling. The composite restoration was completed in one visit, giving a functional and aesthetic result. We accept private insurance from Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa, and our team can help with the paperwork.

To make an informed choice about your dental health, here are important questions to ask, whether you visit our practice or another dentist in the Finchley area: what filling material do you recommend for my tooth and why, how long can I expect this filling to last with proper care, what are the pros and cons of a composite filling versus an amalgam one in this case, will the procedure be painful and what are your options for anaesthesia, does the quoted cost include the consultation, x rays, and the final filling, and what should I do if the filling feels strange or I experience pain afterwards?