White Fillings in Grays & Chafford Hundred

It depends on the size and position of the filling. Your dentist confirms your fee before treatment starts. Larger fillings take more time and material than small ones. You receive the fee in writing before any treatment begins, and your dentist can explain other options, such as an inlay or crown, where they may suit the tooth better.

Yes, if they need replacing or you would like a more natural look. Your dentist will advise whether replacement is a good idea for each tooth. Some people replace sound metal fillings for appearance, while others prefer to wait until a filling needs replacing. Removing a filling always removes a little tooth, so it is worth discussing each tooth carefully.

Modern composite is hard-wearing. Like any filling, it can wear or need replacing over time. How long a filling lasts depends on its size, where it is in the mouth, your bite and how well the area is kept clean. Regular check-ups help spot wear or leaks early, when small repairs may be possible.

The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Tell us if you are nervous. Some people feel slight pressure or vibration rather than pain. Afterwards the tooth may be a little sensitive for a few days, which usually settles. If it does not settle, or your bite feels high, contact us so we can check it.

A laser device that helps your dentist detect very small changes in the tooth surface, so decay can be found early. It is used alongside a visual examination and X-rays where needed. Finding decay early can mean a smaller filling, or sometimes simply monitoring the area and improving home care, rather than drilling straight away.

Sometimes there are no symptoms. Regular check-ups help catch decay early. If you have pain or sensitivity, contact us. Signs can include sensitivity to sweet or cold, a rough edge, food trapping or a dark spot. Decay between teeth often shows only on X-rays, which is why regular examinations matter even when nothing hurts.

Composite sets straight away with a light. Wait until any numbness wears off before eating so you do not bite your cheek. Hot drinks can be risky while your mouth is numb, so take care until feeling returns. If your bite feels high afterwards, contact us so we can adjust it.

White fillings are usually made of composite, a tooth-coloured resin bonded to the tooth and hardened with a light. Your dentist chooses the material that suits the size and position of the filling. Composite can be matched closely to the shade of your teeth.

Composite works well for many fillings, including on back teeth, but very large fillings may be better suited to an inlay, onlay or crown. Your dentist will explain the options for each tooth. It depends on the size of the cavity.

Not necessarily. If a metal filling is sound, there may be no need to replace it, though some people choose to for appearance. Your dentist will check your fillings and talk through the options. Removing a filling also removes some tooth.

A typical white filling takes one appointment, often under an hour, depending on its size and the tooth. Your dentist will explain the plan at your visit. Larger or more complex fillings can take longer, and your dentist will tell you how long to allow when you book.

Most fillings are done with local anaesthetic so you do not feel pain. Your dentist will discuss this with you. If you are nervous, tell us when you book. Some small fillings may not need one. Numbness usually wears off within a few hours, so take care with hot drinks until it does.

Composite sets straight away with a curing light, but if you have had local anaesthetic it is sensible to wait until the numbness wears off to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. Children should be watched while numb so they do not bite their lip or cheek, and it is sensible to avoid hot drinks until feeling returns.

Some sensitivity to cold or biting for a few days can happen after a filling. If it does not settle or gets worse, contact us so we can check the bite and the tooth. Sensitivity that gets worse, keeps you awake or comes with swelling should be checked promptly, as it may mean the nerve of the tooth is irritated.

Composite can pick up some surface staining over time, especially at the edges. Regular check-ups and hygiene visits help, and fillings can be polished or replaced if needed. Smoking and drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine can increase staining. Your dentist will tell you whether polishing is enough or whether a filling needs replacing.

Often yes. Small chips can be repaired with composite, which is the same material used in bonding. Larger breaks may need a crown or onlay. We will look and explain. Chips can be sharp, so contact us if one cuts your tongue or cheek. Keep any broken piece and bring it with you.

Yes. We are a private practice and welcome new patients. Message us on WhatsApp on 07300 421405 or call 01375 481000 to book an examination. At the examination we check your teeth, gums and existing fillings and explain any treatment needed. Fees are confirmed in writing before any treatment starts.

We are on Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, Grays RM16 6SE, with on-site parking outside, about 0.8 miles from Chafford Hundred station and 1.5 miles from M25 Junction 30. Message us on WhatsApp if you would like directions or have any questions before your visit.

We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and Saturday by appointment. Message us on WhatsApp and we will look for a time. Saturday slots are limited, so it helps to ask early. Weekday appointments are available from 8am, which some people find easier before work.

Signs can include a crack, a gap at the edge, staining around the filling, food trapping or sensitivity. Many problems show no symptoms, which is why regular check-ups and X-rays when needed are useful. Small problems can be easier to fix.

Sometimes very early changes can be managed with fluoride, diet changes and good cleaning, and monitored. Finding them early with DIAGNOdent and X-rays makes that possible.

Usually a few hours. Avoid hot drinks and take care not to bite your lip or cheek until the feeling comes back.

No. White fillings are made from tooth-coloured composite, not amalgam.

Often, yes. Your dentist plans how many teeth to treat at each appointment, depending on where they are.

A deep cavity may need more than a filling, such as a crown or root canal treatment. Your dentist explains what they find and the options.

No. Contact us and we'll adjust it. A high filling can make the tooth sore.

Tell us if you're pregnant. Your dentist will plan the timing of any treatment with you.

Yes, where suitable. Your dentist explains the options for your child's teeth.

Yes. Purfleet (RM19) is about 3 miles away and Aveley (RM15) about 2.5 miles, with on-site parking.