BDS Dental provides tooth-coloured white fillings at our private practice on Finchley Road in Golders Green, NW11. Whether you need a new filling following the detection of decay, or you would like to discuss replacing older metal restorations, our experienced team can help you find the right solution.
All our dentists are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) and our practice is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Dr. Ian Davis (GDC No: 74993) and Dr. Ellie Bergin (GDC No: 76585) bring a combined total of over 50 years of clinical experience to every appointment.
Traditional metal amalgam fillings are strong and durable, but they are conspicuous — particularly in visible areas of the mouth — and they do not bond to the tooth itself. As the tooth flexes under biting pressure over time, the junction between a metal filling and the surrounding tooth can weaken, sometimes allowing bacteria to re-enter.
Composite resin fillings — the most common type of tooth-coloured filling — work differently. The material bonds directly to the tooth tissue at a microscopic level, which helps to reinforce the remaining walls of the tooth rather than simply sitting within the cavity. The result is a filling that is both aesthetically natural and structurally supportive.
It is worth being transparent about one important trade-off: white composite fillings require more time and skill to place correctly than metal fillings. The tooth must be kept completely dry throughout the procedure, the composite must be applied in carefully controlled layers, and each layer must be cured individually. At BDS Dental, we believe this additional care is simply part of doing the job properly.
Not all white restorations are the same, and the best option depends on the size and location of the cavity.
For small to medium cavities, a tooth-coloured composite resin filling is typically the most appropriate and straightforward solution. The composite material is applied directly to the tooth in a single appointment, shaped by the dentist, and hardened using a curing light. The result is invisible against the natural tooth and completed in one visit.
When a cavity is too large to be reliably restored with a direct composite filling, but does not quite warrant a full crown, a ceramic inlay or onlay may be the most appropriate option. These are custom-made porcelain restorations produced in a dental laboratory (or, at BDS Dental, using our in-surgery CEREC CAD/CAM milling system) and bonded permanently into the prepared tooth.
An inlay fits within the biting surface of the tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more of the tooth’s cusps. Both are tooth-coloured, highly durable, and a strong clinical solution for teeth that need more support than a standard filling can provide.
Your dentist will assess the size and position of the cavity and recommend the most conservative restoration that will reliably protect the tooth long term.
Many patients come to us asking about replacing older silver amalgam fillings with white alternatives. This is a reasonable and increasingly common request, and one we are happy to discuss at a consultation.
Some patients are concerned about the mercury content of amalgam fillings. Amalgam is a stable material and current clinical guidance does not recommend removing intact amalgam fillings solely on health grounds. However, if an amalgam filling is ageing, cracking, or failing — or if you simply prefer a tooth-coloured restoration for aesthetic reasons — replacement with a composite or ceramic alternative is a clinically sound decision.
We will always assess the current condition of any existing filling before recommending replacement, and we will explain your options clearly. We do not recommend unnecessary treatment.
Getting a composite filling at BDS Dental is a straightforward procedure that takes place in a single appointment.
Your dentist will begin by administering local anaesthetic to ensure the area is completely comfortable. Any decay is carefully removed and the cavity is prepared. The tooth is then dried and a bonding agent applied before the composite resin is placed in small increments. Each layer is shaped and hardened with a curing light before the next is added. Once the filling is complete, your dentist will check your bite and make any fine adjustments to ensure it feels natural.
The anaesthetic will wear off within a few hours, and the filling is set and ready to use immediately. Some mild sensitivity in the treated tooth is normal for a few days and settles on its own.
With proper care, a well-placed composite filling can last many years. Longevity depends on factors including the size of the filling, the position and function of the tooth, your bite, and your oral hygiene routine. Back teeth that bear greater chewing forces tend to place more stress on restorations, which is one reason larger cavities in molar teeth may be better served by a ceramic inlay.
Attending regular dental check-ups allows your dentist to monitor the condition of existing restorations and identify any signs of wear or marginal breakdown before they become a problem.
The cost of a white filling depends on the size, complexity, and number of teeth involved. For a full overview of our fees, please visit our dental fees page. Your dentist will provide a clear cost estimate before any treatment begins.
To book an appointment or ask any questions, please contact our team.
Modern composite resins are strong and durable, and for small to medium cavities they perform very well in both front and back teeth. For larger restorations — particularly on heavily loaded molar teeth — a ceramic inlay or onlay may offer greater long-term resilience than composite. Your dentist will advise on the most appropriate material for your particular cavity at your appointment.
Yes, and this is a request we accommodate regularly. If your existing amalgam fillings are ageing or showing signs of failure, replacing them with a composite or ceramic alternative is a sound clinical decision. If they are intact and functioning well, there is no clinical urgency to replace them — but if you prefer a tooth-coloured result, we are happy to discuss your options. We will assess each filling individually and give you an honest recommendation.
No. White fillings are placed under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some sensitivity in the treated tooth can be expected in the days following the appointment — this is completely normal and typically settles within a week. If sensitivity persists beyond this, please contact us so we can check the filling.
Composite resin can absorb colour from certain foods and drinks over time — particularly coffee, tea, and red wine — especially in the first 48 hours after placement, when the material is still curing to its full hardness. Avoiding heavily coloured foods and drinks for the first couple of days helps preserve the initial shade. Regular hygiene appointments, where the surfaces of the teeth are polished, also help to maintain the appearance of composite restorations.
In the early stages, tooth decay often causes no noticeable symptoms at all — which is one of the key reasons regular check-ups are important. As a cavity progresses, you may notice sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods, a visible hole or discolouration, or a rough edge that you can feel with your tongue. If you suspect you may have a cavity, it is worth booking a check-up sooner rather than later. Smaller cavities are quicker, simpler, and less costly to treat.
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