Tooth Fillings in hertford
Less visible fillings that last longer. White fillings are more natural and easier to blend with existing teeth, which are incredibly durable.
In this Section:
Protect teeth and stop tooth decay
Dental fillings offered by private dentists are quick procedures that repair cavities and decayed teeth with minimal fuss.
“The main aim is to remove decayed and infected tooth tissue. We then try and conserve as much sound tooth tissue as possible.”
- Restore the correct functioning of the tooth
- To preserve natural tooth tissues
- To support weakened teeth that have lost considerable tooth structure
- To prevent further spread of any active infectious lesions
- To preserve the nerves of a tooth
- To restore the aesthetics of a tooth. Teeth need to look like teeth regardless of whether they are molars or incisors
Dental Filling Types
There are two main types of fillings: Direct Fillings and Indirect Fillings.
Teeth can be filled with gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or tooth-coloured composite resin materials. Deciding which one will work best for you depends on the size and extent of the decay, the cost of the material and your dentist’s recommendation.
“From start to finish, I had a very positive experience – friendly and professional. I’m very happy with the results and would highly recommend to anyone else!” – B, Boon – Hertford
Composite fillings are the popular choice for patients.
The shade/colour of these composites is specifically matched to the colour of existing teeth, thus giving a natural-looking restoration and making fillings less noticeable when smiling.
White fillings are less invasive as they are micro-mechanically bonded to the tooth’s structure. Compared to amalgam, they require less of the tooth structure to be removed.
The only downside to this material is it’s not as strong or durable as silver or gold, particularly if they are used for bigger cavities.
Ceramic / Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain fillings are made of high-quality, long-lasting materials that are resistant to staining.
Considered permanent tooth fillings, the durability benefits of this material mean that your restoration can last longer than 15 years, blend perfectly with existing teeth and cost the same amount as gold fillings.
This material allows patients to receive fixes to chips, cracks and breaks in their teeth caused by decay and never have to worry about them again!
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings last much longer than alternative materials and do not corrode. However, gold cast fillings can cost up to ten times more than other materials.
An indirect process that requires a minimum of two appointments, one to cut and temporize, the other to cement the filling.
It’s also recommended that if opting for gold, other fillings in the mouth must consist of the same material; this is because galvanic shock is possible when gold is placed next to a silver.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
Silver fillings are highly durable and can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years and are often the go-to choice for patients on a budget.
However, due to recent general and cosmetic dentistry developments, the poor aesthetics caused by silver fillings have left patients wanting something more discreet and natural.
Some disadvantages of silver fillings include its process, where tooth structure is destroyed to make enough room. They have also been known to discolour the surrounding tooth grey.
White fillings have previously gained a bad reputation for not being as hard-wearing as other materials.
But thanks to rapidly improving technology over the last decade, white fillings have become much stronger. Comparing them to other fillings, they are more aesthetically pleasing and can last a number of years. Plus, they’re mercury-free.
- Amalgam: 15 years
- Composite: 7 years
- Ceramic: 15 years+
- Glass Ionomer: 5 years
Tooth Filling Costs: The Cheapest Options
White fillings on the NHS can cost just as much as Amalgam, but they are only offered to patients in certain circumstances.
Fillings can cost around £65 via the NHS (Band 2 treatment charge). However, depending on the extent of the decay, you may need other complex procedures to be carried out simultaneously, increasing the charging price to Band 3.
At Perfect Smile Studios, our tooth-coloured fillings are priced from £150.
There are essentially three ways of examining teeth that might need of fillings:
Visual Examination
Our dentists use an instrument called “the dental probe” to carefully examine all the surfaces of each tooth in your mouth to detect breakages, fracture lines and infection. We also look for deterioration to existing fillings.
X-Rays
Digital radiographs that offer faster x-rays and lower emission, which help us to detect anomalies within the tooth structure or bone. Especially important when the tooth exterior looks normal yet causes symptoms.
Use of Light
Focused light is reflected onto teeth at various angles to determine changes in the tooth tissues. When micro-fractures are present the refractive index of the tooth shows up anomalies.
Quick Links
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General Dentists in Hertford - We Can't Wait To See You!
Our address is 7-9 South St, Hertford SG14 1AZ. Get directions.
Travelling information
We have no free parking on-site; patients can park on Fore Street using the pay and display.
- Most locations in Hertfordshire are about a fifteen minutes drive from our practice, with Stevenage being a 20-26 minute drive at the peak of the day (11.3 miles via A602 and A119).
- We’re equally accessible by bus and train (all within a short three-minute walk to the practice).
Directions from:
Hertford | Hatfield | Ware | St Albans | Welwyn Garden City | Letchworth Garden City | Bishop’s Stortford | Borehamwood | Cheshunt | Hemel Hempstead | Hoddesdon | Watford | Stevenage