Composite Fillings
What is a composite dental filling?
Composite fillings are tooth-coloured, natural-looking restorations used to repair teeth affected by decay, cracks, chips or other minor damage.
They are designed to restore the tooth’s shape and function while blending discreetly with your natural smile.
Why might I need a dental filling?
During a routine dental examination, your dentist may identify early decay, a crack or another area of damage that needs attention. Regular check-ups allow these problems to be detected and treated before they become more extensive.
Treating a damaged tooth promptly can help prevent the problem progressing and potentially requiring more complex treatment, such as an onlay, crown or root canal treatment.
Composite resin can also be used to replace older amalgam (“silver”) fillings where clinically appropriate, particularly where you would prefer a more natural-looking restoration.
Do composite fillings hurt?
Having a filling is one of the most routine procedures in dentistry.
In most cases, we use a local anaesthetic to completely numb the area being treated, meaning you should remain comfortable throughout your appointment.
A straightforward filling typically takes around 20–40 minutes, although the exact time will depend on the size and location of the restoration.
How are composite fillings placed?
We take a minimally invasive approach wherever possible, removing only the damaged or decayed tooth tissue that needs to be treated.
The tooth is carefully prepared before the composite resin is applied in layers. Each layer is hardened using a specialised dental curing light before the next is added.
Once the restoration is complete, your dentist will carefully shape, adjust and polish it so that it looks and feels as natural as possible.
How long do composite fillings last?
The lifespan of a filling varies considerably.
Factors such as the size and position of the restoration, your bite, oral hygiene, diet, tooth grinding and general dental health can all influence how long a filling remains in good condition.
Good brushing, daily interdental cleaning and regular dental examinations can help protect both your filling and the surrounding tooth.
Testimonials
Chrissie Parker
3 months ago
Always excellent care and advice. I have complete trust in Deborah and her staff
Ron Docking
3 months ago
Broken tooth and chip stuck under gum while on holiday. First day back, Dmitri carefully removed broken chip,filled remaining tooth.Excellent speedy service!
David Perks
3 months ago
Courteous and helpful service. I have been a client for many years for regular tooth maintenance and repair
Rod Parrish
3 months ago
Elliot
3 months ago
Been coming here since I was 8. It is a very nice practice and everyone is very welcoming
Vicky Salter
4 months ago
I have been coming to New Road Dental practice since I was a baby. I am now 34 and this will always be my dentist. I am always treated with such great care and patience. From the dentist to the hygienist, I am always given such great advice on how to keep my teeth and gums healthy. Reception are always the loveliest ladies too.
Maximilian Harazin
5 months ago
I’ve been going to New Road Dental for my regular checkups and dental work for years, and I couldn’t be happier. My dentist, Debbie, is absolutely wonderful. She always treats me with outstanding professionalism, genuine friendliness, and respect. I highly recommend her and the practice to anyone looking for a great dentist!
Alison Speed
5 months ago
All team members are Friendly & helpful
John Willis
5 months ago
The staff are all very cheerful, welcoming and professional. It is easy to make an appointment and once at the surgery there is very little waiting time. I have been coming to this practice for dental treatment since 1981 and I have always been extremely satisfied with the service.
Ken Snow
6 months ago
I’ve received dental treatment at NRDP over many years and have always found them to be very professional & accommodating. Equipment is modern and under Dimitri’s leadership the Team provides a warm & friendly environment in which to have treatment . Ken S.
Rosalind Pritchard
6 months ago
Excellent level of treatment, good clear explanation of work required. Very friendly staff who go the extra mile to be helpful. Thank you all.
Sam and Samantha Orsborne
6 months ago
From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel really welcome. The receptionist was so friendly and kind, and took the time to chat with us which instantly put us at ease. There’s parking right outside the building as well, which made getting there really easy and stress-free.
We went for teeth whitening, and before anything started, Dimitri explained everything properly to us in a way that was easy to understand. We never felt rushed and could ask as many questions as we wanted, which made us feel really comfortable and confident from the start. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients and want you to feel relaxed.
The clinic itself is very modern and spotless, with really impressive equipment. We had 3D scans done for the moulds, which was such a cool experience and made everything feel very high-tech and precise. Throughout the whole appointment we felt like we were in safe hands and were looked after so well. Overall, it was such a positive experience and we received amazing care from start to finish.
Cezary Kucewicz
7 months ago
I came in for an emergency appointment, which ultimately led to the extraction of my wisdom tooth. I’m usually quite nervous about visiting the dentist, but Debbie and her team were absolutely incredible – without a doubt the best dental experience I’ve ever had!
From the moment I walked in, their warmth, friendliness and professionalism immediately put me at ease. The whole procedure was carried out quickly, smoothly and completely painlessly, bringing instant relief after several days of tooth pain.
I’m so grateful for the care I received and couldn’t recommend New Road Dental Practice more highly. Truly outstanding!
Robert Moss
8 months ago
I have been with this Surgery since 2020 and have always received an excellent service from the team. Communication is a massive plus especially the appointment reminders.
Christine Bainbridge
8 months ago
Dimitri and his team strike the right balance between top-notch professional clinical treatment and a friendly atmosphere. It’s a pleasure to go to New Road Dental practice, where I know I can expect first-class care. Excellent patient experience: if I could award more than five stars, I would! Thank you everyone.
Beverley Elston
9 months ago
Dr. Deborah Johnson is my dentist.
I’m a new patient at this practice and I have received nothing but great service from all the staff members, a warm welcome.
Thorough and great results from my treatment.
I would highly recommend this dental practice.
Thank you to the team Beverley
Chris Dyson
10 months ago
I am usually reluctant to post reviews in case it jinxes an otherwise good product or service, but in the case of New Road Dental practice I have no such reservations. They are excellent! During an appointment with Debbie today, I had what I shall call a composite reconstruction. Most of my tooth was gone but she did an amazing job of rebuilding it so that it is now indistinguishable from the one next to it. All the while taking care to keep me informed in her friendly and professional way. Many thanks to Debbie, her able assistant and all the team at New Road Dental practice.
Kathryn Bowman
10 months ago
From the moment you arrive you are met with a welcome smile.
All the team are kind, friendly and professional.
I’ve been a patient of Dimitri’s for a few years now and he is so patient, putting you at ease and explaining fully the required treatment.
“Kindness, professional expertise and reliability in an emergency…the perfect Saffron Walden dentist.