Dental fillings
White composite and silver amalgam fillings at both Harlow practices, on the NHS and privately.
- NHS and private
- Same-day emergencies
- Published fees
- One team, three practices
Why a tooth needs filling
Decay removes tooth structure, and once it is through the enamel it does not stop on its own. A filling takes out the decayed part and rebuilds what is missing, which keeps the tooth strong and stops the problem reaching the nerve.
Read more: Why a tooth needs filling
Caught early, that is a short, straightforward appointment. Left alone, the same tooth can end up needing root canal treatment or a crown, which is why we would rather see you for a small filling now than a large one later.
White or silver
White composite is bonded to the tooth and matched to its shade, so it is close to invisible. It is the default for front teeth and for anywhere the filling shows when you talk or smile.
Read more: White or silver
Silver amalgam is harder wearing under heavy biting forces and costs less. It remains a sound choice for back teeth where nobody sees it. On the NHS, white fillings are provided on front teeth as standard, and on back teeth a white filling is sometimes a private upgrade on an NHS filling.
What the appointment involves
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, the decay is removed, and the cavity is shaped and cleaned. A composite filling is then built up in layers and set with a light; an amalgam filling is packed and shaped in one go.
Read more: What the appointment involves
You leave with the tooth working normally. A composite is fully set when you go, so you can eat straight away. With amalgam we usually suggest leaving heavy chewing on that side for a few hours.
Where we see you in Harlow
Fillings are done at both Harlow practices. Nuffield Dental Practice sits on The Stow in central Harlow, with parking in the precinct and bus routes from the town centre. Church Langley Dental is on the first floor of the Florence Nightingale Health Centre, with parking on site.
Read more: Where we see you in Harlow
Church Langley also runs Saturday appointments, which suits people who cannot get away during the week.
A filling is a repair, not a cure-all
Decay destroys tooth structure and does not reverse once it has broken through the enamel. A filling clears the damaged tissue and rebuilds the shape, which restores the tooth and keeps bacteria away from the nerve.
Read more: A filling is a repair, not a cure-all
Timing changes everything about that job. A small cavity dealt with promptly is a single short appointment. The same tooth ignored for a year may need root canal treatment at £250 or more, and a crown from £550 on top of it.
Choosing the material
Composite is tooth-coloured and bonds chemically to the tooth, so less healthy structure has to be removed to hold it. That makes it the choice for anything visible, and increasingly for back teeth too. Ours start at £95 privately.
Read more: Choosing the material
Amalgam remains the more economical option at £75 and stands up well to years of heavy chewing. It is silver-coloured, so it belongs at the back. Neither material is a compromise on the tooth itself, and we will tell you which we would pick for that particular cavity.
On the day
Local anaesthetic goes in first and takes a few minutes to work properly. The decay is then removed and the cavity cleaned and prepared. Composite is placed in thin layers, each one cured with a blue light, then shaped and polished to your bite.
Read more: On the day
Most single fillings are done inside a normal appointment. You will feel numb for an hour or two afterwards, which is the only real restriction on the rest of your day.
Afterwards
Mild sensitivity to cold for a week or two after a deep filling is common and usually fades on its own. What is not normal is sharp pain when you bite down, which often just means the filling is fractionally high and takes two minutes to adjust.
Read more: Afterwards
Do not put up with it. Call the practice on 020 8804 4320 and we will see you to check it rather than have you avoid chewing on that side.
Filling fees at Nuffield Dental Practice and Church Langley Dental.
| Treatment | NHS | Private |
|---|---|---|
| White filling, composite | Band 2, £76.60 | £130 to £190 |
| Silver filling, amalgam | Band 2, £76.60 | £90 to £100 |
| Examination first | Band 1, £27.90 | £38 |
The private range reflects how large the filling is and how many surfaces of the tooth it covers. Your fee is confirmed in writing at your examination.
Filling fees at Enfield Smiles.
| Treatment | NHS | Private |
|---|---|---|
| White filling, composite | Band 2, £76.60 | from £95 |
| Silver filling, amalgam | Band 2, £76.60 | from £75 |
| Examination first | Band 1, £27.90 | £35 |
The final fee depends on the size of the cavity and how many surfaces of the tooth it covers. It is confirmed in writing at your examination.
Practices Offering Dental fillings
Nuffield Dental Practice
110–111 The StowHarlowEssex CM20 3AS01279 424 038Church Langley Dental
First Floor, Florence Nightingale Health CentreHarlowEssex CM17 9TE01279 306 690Enfield Smiles
195 High StreetEnfield EN3 4DZ020 8804 4320