Dental therapy · Tooth decay · Perivale, Ealing
Gentle, unhurried fillings that repair teeth affected by decay, with every step explained before it starts and advice to stop the decay coming back.
Decay repaired gently, with every step explained.
Marisa Lennie · GDC 252605
The short answer
A filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay. The decayed part of the tooth is removed and the space is filled with a material that restores the tooth’s shape and function.
Placing fillings is part of a dental therapist’s scope of practice set by the General Dental Council, for both adult and children’s teeth. At Bilton Road Dental Practice, your filling is planned following an examination, and I’ll explain whether you need to see the dentist first.
Repairing the tooth is only half of the job. We’ll also look at why the decay happened, from diet to brushing to fluoride, so the same tooth, or the next one, is less likely to need treatment.
Signs of decay
Decay often causes no symptoms at first, which is why it’s usually found at a check-up. These are the signs to look out for.
See a dentist as soon as possible if you think you or your child has tooth decay.
Source: NHS (opens in a new tab).
Your appointment
Once the tooth is numb, the decay is removed and the tooth is repaired and polished. You’re told what’s happening at each stage.
Ask about fillingsFinding & explaining the decay
The tooth is examined and the decay explained, using X-rays where the dentist has taken them, so you understand why the filling is needed.
Local anaesthetic
The tooth is numbed so treatment stays comfortable. We agree a signal so you can ask me to pause at any time.
03Preparation
Removing the decay
The decayed part of the tooth is removed carefully, keeping as much healthy tooth as possible.
Restoring the tooth
The filling material is placed and shaped, then your bite is checked so the tooth feels natural when you close.
05Prevention
Stopping it coming back
We talk about diet, brushing, cleaning between the teeth and fluoride, so the same tooth, or the next one, is less likely to need treatment.
From the chair
Fillings are one of the most common dental treatments, and it’s still completely normal to feel uneasy about having one.
“Will I feel the injection?”
Most people feel a brief pinch and then the area goes numb. I go slowly, explain each step before I start it, and you can ask me to pause at any time. If you’re nervous, tell me when you book and we’ll allow more time.
Related: Care for nervous patients
“The tooth doesn’t hurt. Does it really need a filling?”
Decay often doesn’t hurt until it’s quite deep, which is why treating it earlier is usually simpler. I’ll show you what I can see and explain why it needs repairing, and you’re always free to ask questions before deciding.
Related: Tooth decay
“Why do I keep needing fillings?”
That’s the question that matters most, and it usually comes down to a few things: how often sugar is in the mouth, how plaque is cleaned away, and fluoride. We’ll look at all three, so the cycle stops.
Related: Sensitive teeth
Choosing the right visit
Fillings repair the damage; these visits help stop it happening again.
This page
On requestConfirmed when you book
Repairing a tooth that has been damaged by decay, under local anaesthetic, with prevention advice to stop it coming back.
Best for
Teeth with decay found at an examination, in adults and children.
Book this visitFull review
£9545 min
A full examination of teeth and gums, which is where most decay is first picked up.
Best for
Anyone who thinks they may have decay, a sensitive tooth or a dark mark, and wants it looked at.
About General Hygiene Check-UpChildren
£9545 min
Prevention for children, including fluoride varnish, which helps protect teeth from further decay.
Best for
Children aged 3 to 16, especially those who have already had fillings.
About Children’s Hygiene & Fluoride VarnishHonest expectations
A filling is a reliable repair, but it works best as part of a plan to prevent further decay.
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure and vibration rather than pain.
The numbness wears off over a few hours. The tooth may be a little sensitive to hot and cold for a short time afterwards.
Prevention advice from Delivering Better Oral Health (opens in a new tab).
Regular check-ups, at intervals based on your own risk, help spot worn fillings and new decay early.
Fillings FAQs
Can’t see your question? Email me or call 020 8997 0933.
The price depends on the size and position of the filling and is confirmed after your examination, before any treatment starts.
Yes. Placing fillings on adult and children’s teeth is part of a dental therapist’s scope of practice, set by the General Dental Council.
Your filling is planned following an examination. I’ll explain whether you need to see the dentist first, for example if X-rays or a different treatment might be needed.
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. It may be a little sensitive to hot and cold for a short time afterwards.
With good care, fillings can last many years, but they can wear over time and may need replacing. They’re checked at every visit.
Wait until the numbness wears off before eating or having hot drinks, so you don’t bite your lip or cheek.
Marisa qualified through the Royal College of Surgeons of England, training clinically at King’s College Hospital, London, and is an Approved Education Supervisor for trainee hygienists & therapists. Placing fillings is within the GDC scope of practice for dental therapists. Marisa is registered as both a dental hygienist and a dental therapist.
This page explains fillings in general. It isn’t a diagnosis. See a dentist as soon as possible if you think you have tooth decay, and urgently if you have swelling around a tooth or in your face.
Call the practice or send an email to book your appointment.
Bilton Road Dental Practice · 56 Bilton Rd, Perivale, Greenford, London, UB6 7DH
Fillings at Bilton Road Dental Practice in Perivale (UB6), near Greenford, Alperton, Sudbury, Hanwell and Northolt.
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