Dental Fillings

Direct fillings are a common and efficient way to restore a tooth in a single visit. This procedure involves placing the filling material directly into the cavity without the need for a dental lab or temporary restoration.
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Common types of direct fillings

  • Resin CompositeA tooth-coloured material made from a resin base and mixed with fine particles of glass, silica, or quartz. It blends naturally with your teeth and is ideal for visible areas.
  • Glass IonomerAlso tooth-coloured, this material is made from silica glass powder. It’s often used as a semi-permanent solution but can be used permanently in certain areas.
  • Amalgam (Phased Out)Traditionally made from mercury and other metals, amalgam fillings are silver in appearance. At Marlow Dental Centre, we no longer use amalgam due to its mercury content and aesthetic limitations. We are proud to be an amalgam-free practice, offering safer and more natural-looking alternatives.

Direct fillings are quick, effective, and designed to restore both function and appearance in just one appointment

Indirect Fillings

Indirect fillings are custom-made restorations typically created outside the mouth—most often in a dental lab—before being bonded into place by your dentist. Traditionally, this process requires two visits: the first for impressions and the second for placement.

At Marlow Dental Centre, we use advanced CAD/CAM technology to design and produce many indirect fillings and crowns on-site. In some cases, this allows us to complete the entire process in just one visit. However, depending on the material used, we may recommend multiple visits to ensure optimal strength, fit, and aesthetics.

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Types of Indirect Fillings

  • Inlays & OnlaysThese are ideal when a tooth is too damaged for a regular filling but doesn’t need a full crown.
  • Inlays fit within the grooves of the tooth.
  • Onlays cover a larger area, including one or more cusps. They offer a conservative, strong, and biologically-friendly solution.

Common Materials

  • Porcelain (Lithium Desilicated or Zirconia)Tooth-coloured, highly durable, and milled from a single block using digital technology (often referred to as CEREC).
  • GoldA classic and long-lasting option, gold restorations are crafted from a blend of gold and other metals such as palladium or copper. Though more visible, they remain highly durable and biocompatible.

With precision digital tools and a patient-first approach, we tailor your indirect restoration for comfort, function, and longevity.

What Happens During a Dental Filling Procedure?

The process for a dental filling is generally straightforward and can be completed in one visit. While the exact steps may vary depending on the material used (such as resin composite or glass ionomer), here’s a typical outline:

  • Optional NumbingYour dentist may apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area, ensuring you're comfortable throughout the procedure.
  • Removal of DecayAny decayed or damaged tooth material is carefully removed to prevent further issues.
  • Filling the ToothThe cavity is filled with your chosen material (e.g. tooth-coloured composite).
  • Hardening the MaterialFor resin-based fillings, a special curing light is used to harden and set the material in place.
  • Shaping and PolishingThe filling is shaped, polished, and smoothed to ensure it blends with your natural tooth and feels comfortable.
  • Final Bite CheckYour dentist will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper alignment.
  • Final Bite CheckYour dentist will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper alignment.

This quick and effective treatment restores the tooth's structure, function, and appearance, helping you maintain a healthy smile.

How Long Does It Take to Recover After a Dental Filling?

Recovery after a dental filling is usually quick. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Here are a few important tips:

  • Wait for Numbness to Wear OffAlthough you can eat and drink straight away, it's best to wait until the local anaesthetic wears off to avoid accidentally biting your cheek, lips, or tongue.
  • Eat CarefullyIf you do eat while still numb, chew slowly and cautiously on the opposite side of your mouth.
  • Mild SensitivitySome sensitivity or slight discomfort is normal for a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage this.

In most cases, any post-treatment sensitivity should subside within a few days. If discomfort persists, contact your dentist for a review.

Testimonials from Those We Care For

Fantastic dentist, gives you a thorough explanations and costings so you can make your own choices. Very pleased with the treatment I have received excellent work. I would highly recommend. The whole team and friendly and welcoming and put you at ease.

Zara Devine

Excellent treatment from the Team at Marlow Dental as always. An excellent facility with superb and experienced Dental practitioners.

John Richardson

Easily five stars. The Marlow Dentist Centre is by far the best dentist surgery I have ever used. All the staff are excellent practitioners, who will often go above and beyond to ensure excellent patient care. The staff are truely dedicated to their profession. I would strongly recommend, especially to those nervous clients (like myself).

Faye Fulton

A great experience. I had tooth ache and called the centre who brought me in for a check up within 2 hours. Thank you to you all

Paul Lumb

This Practice has a nice clean bright reception area and a friendly Receptionist. The Surgery also is spacious and welcoming , lovely Dentist who inspires confidence and equally lovely Assistant. I am happy with the Dental care I get here.

Jennifer Gardner

A visit to the hygienist is never my favourite but the team at Marlow Dental Centre always put you at ease. Always given a thorough clean and advice of things you can do to improve your oral hygiene

Karen Greener

As always, my experience with Marlow Dental Centre was flawless - from booking an appointment, having to change it, and the appointment itself. Friendly and professional people in the relaxing environment. Thank you!

Yoko Saito

One of the best dentists I have ever been to. Always pleased to see you. A very clean and friendly place, and the staff are great. As a very nervous patient, I am always made to feel welcome and reassured. They take the time to tell you what the procedure is going to be and give you a break if it all gets too much.!! Thank you all.

Sue Neale

Friendly, professional and competent. It just gives you a feeling of confidence in the diagnosis and a successful outcome

Jonathan Manley

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