What is a tooth cavity filling?
Fillings are a restorative dental treatment, used when a tooth has been damaged or has decayed. They are called cavity fillings because the procedure involves removing the decay or the damaged area of a tooth, which leaves behind a hole – or cavity – that needs to be filled to protect the rest of the tooth.
The tooth cavity filling process
A tooth cavity filling treatment will start with you being given local anaesthetic to numb your mouth so that you don’t experience any pain during the procedure. This anaesthetic is usually administered with a needle, directly into the gum in the affected area. It generally takes just a few minutes to take effect.
The decayed or damaged area of the tooth is then removed, usually with a dental drill, to make sure that no bacteria remains. The filling is then placed into the cavity. For amalgam fillings, the process usually takes just minutes to complete. For white fillings, where separate layers of filling material are added in stages, the cavity filling time may be significantly longer.
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More about cavity fillings….
What colour are cavity fillings?Potential problems or risks with tooth cavity fillings
Whilst it’s normal to notice mild sensitivity after a cavity filling treatment, for a day or two afterwards at most, this sensitivity should disappear on its own. If the problem doesn’t go away after a few days or gets worse, it could be a sign that there is another issue that needs further treatment.
If the bacteria in the affected tooth was not all removed before the filling was placed, this can result in an infection or in the filling failing and falling out. If you do have an infection, you will sometimes notice pain in the area, along with a swollen and pus-filled cavity. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important that you go and see a dentist as soon as possible. If your dentist failed to carry out the procedure properly, and you have suffered as a result of this, you may be able to claim compensation for what has happened to you. Contact us for more information and to find out if you have a claim for a bad cavity filling and any resulting injury.
Can cavity fillings come out?
What is the cost of filling a cavity?
The tooth filling price will depend on several different factors. If your treatment is done on the NHS, the cost of a filling falls under Band 2 treatment. You can find out the current costs of each band of NHS treatment, and what procedures are included in the bands, by clicking here.
If you have a cavity filled by a private dentist, the cost will vary, depending on what that specific dentist or practice charges, and what type of filling it is. Your dentist should discuss the cost of treatment with you before going ahead with a filling procedure.
Can you have wisdom tooth cavity fillings?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a deep cavity be filled?
Filling a large cavity is not necessarily a problem, depending on the specific tooth involved. For some teeth, a large cavity may mean that the remaining part of the tooth is weakened and filling it is unlikely to solve the problem. If the part of the tooth that remains is strong enough to support a filling, this may be the best option for you. Your dentist should discuss your treatment plan in detail with you before commencing treatment, to make sure that you understand the procedure and any potential risks involved or other options that may be available to you.
If your dentist doesn’t fully explain the treatment they are suggesting, or let you know of any risks before they start a procedure, this could be a form of dental negligence, known as failure to obtain consent. If your dentist carries out treatment without your consent, you may be able to make a claim against them. Contact us for more information.
Can I eat after filling a cavity?
It’s usually recommended to wait several hours after a filling procedure has been finished before eating again. Firstly, eating whilst part of your mouth is still numb from the treatment can mean that you unknowingly bite your cheek or tongue, or it could mean that you burn your mouth on hot food or drinks without realising. Secondly, eating hard foods before the filling is properly set can cause it to fail. Most dentists recommend that you chew on the other side of your mouth for at least the first 24 hours after the procedure and to avoid hot drinks until your mouth regains full feeling after the local anaesthetic.
Can you get cavities filled with braces on?
If you have fixed braces on your teeth and need a filling, your dentist will discuss with you whether the procedure can be carried out without removing your braces. This will depend mainly on which tooth requires filling and the position of that tooth. Speak to your dentist if you’re unsure whether your braces may need to be removed temporarily for a filling procedure to be carried out.
Can I get a cavity filled while pregnant?
It will depend on your circumstances as to whether you should get any new or replacement fillings whilst you are pregnant. It’s generally recommended that amalgam fillings should not be removed during pregnancy, but you should speak to your dentist as they will be able to offer advice and a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific circumstances.
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Mr M North West – 17/01/2020
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Mr S, East Yorkshire – 20/12/2019
I just wanted to say a big thank you to you, and your colleagues at Dental Law, for all your hard work in pursuing my claim. I was very pleased with the outcome. Every aspect of the case was handled with the upmost professionalism and clear advice throughout. The advice on liability and quantum was right on the mark. I would not hesitate in recommending Dental Law.
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“I would highly recommend the DLP to others seeking help with dental negligence, for providing excellent advice and clear communication throughout the process, and from a personal point of view making what felt like a daunting prospect at the outset straightforward to understand.”
Client Stories
A DLP client obtains £55,000 after his dentist failed to diagnose and treat his periodontal disease
Mr D was a regular attending patient and first saw Dr N in 2004 for a routine check-up. He would attend regularly and during numerous visits had a number of treatments including, fillings, crowns and root canal treatment at various teeth. He commented, ‘I didn’t feel like anything was out of the ordinary. If I […]
A NORTH WEST WOMAN LEFT IN PAIN AND WILL LOSE A TOOTH AFTER HER DENTISTS FAILS TO PERFORM ROOT CANAL TREATMENT PROPERLY.
• Mrs L experienced severe episodes of pain and discomfort on and off for 8 years. • She underwent unnecessary procedures which could have been avoided and she will lose her tooth in the future. • £2000 awarded in compensation Mrs L suffered multiple episodes of pain when her dentist failed to perform a root […]
A MAN FROM WEST YORKSHIRE AWARDED £5,000 AFTER DENTIST CONSISTENTLY FAILED TO SPOT AND TREAT DECAY
• A 31 year old man from West Yorkshire has lost a tooth after his dentist consistently failed to spot and treat decay. • Client suffered from agonising pain after root canal treatment and still suffers from discomfort when he eats. • £5,000 awarded in compensation Mr T a 31 year old man from West […]