FAQs – Routine Fillings

Routine fillings are restorations that are either silver or white in colour.

Fillings can be used to replace tooth tissue lost through decay, chipping, wear and tear and abrasion.

There are a few materials available including amalgam and composite. Composites are usually the preferred option as they are available in many shades and can be matched to your natural tooth for a seemingly invisible filling. These fillings also bond better to the tooth but are not always successful if the filling is very large. If this is the case then crowns, inlay or veneers may be recommended.

The expected life of a filling is 10-12 years but this varies depending on the materials used, the state of the tooth and how well you care for them.

Amalgam fillings can be changed for the more aesthetically pleasing composite fillings. In some cases we may recommend leaving your fillings until they have come to the end of their life as each time you change a filling you have to remove more tooth tissue.