Same-Day Dental Fillings in Acton
Lost a filling or dealing with tooth decay? At Night and Day Emergency Dentist, we provide same-day dental fillings in Acton to restore your tooth and get you out of pain. Walk-ins welcome, no registration required.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are one of the most common treatments in dentistry. They are used to restore a tooth after the damaged or decayed portion has been removed. Decay usually develops over time as a result of dietary choices, poor oral hygiene, or natural wear.
Sometimes you can see decay as small dark marks in the grooves of your teeth, but it’s not always visible. In these cases, we carry out an X-ray to assess the full health of the tooth and identify any hidden damage.
Once the assessment is complete, your dentist will explain any areas of concern and recommend the right course of treatment. Small areas of decay are usually treated with a filling, while more extensive damage may need an onlay or crown or root canal treatment.
Types of Dental Fillings
We offer two main types of dental filling at our Acton practice:
Composite Fillings (White Fillings) – Made from a tooth-coloured resin that blends in with your natural teeth. These are the most popular choice for visible teeth and provide a strong, natural-looking finish. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth surface, which can also help strengthen the remaining structure.
Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings) – Made from a mixture of metals including silver, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings are extremely durable and are often used for back teeth where the chewing forces are greatest. They have been used safely in dentistry for over 150 years.
Your dentist will advise which type is best based on the location of the tooth, the size of the cavity, and your preference.
When is a Dental Filling Necessary?
- Tooth Decay – Cavities form when bacteria break down the enamel, causing pain and sensitivity. If left untreated, the decay can reach deeper into the tooth and may eventually need a root canal. A filling removes the decay and restores the tooth before it gets to that stage.
- Lost or Broken Filling – Fillings can wear down, crack, or fall out over time from normal chewing or grinding. When this happens, the tooth underneath is exposed and vulnerable to further decay. Replacing the filling quickly protects the tooth from more serious damage.
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth – Accidents, injuries, or biting down on something hard can chip or crack a tooth. Even small fractures can allow bacteria in and lead to sensitivity or infection. A filling seals the damaged area and prevents the problem from getting worse.
- Worn-Down Teeth – Grinding (bruxism) or general wear can erode the enamel over time, weakening the tooth and exposing the softer layer underneath. A filling rebuilds the lost structure and reduces sensitivity.
What to Expect During Your Filling
- Assessment and X-rays – Your dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays if needed to check the extent of the decay or damage.
- Numbing the Area – Local anaesthetic is applied so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. The area will be fully numb before any work begins.
- Removing the Decay – The damaged part of the tooth is carefully removed and the cavity is cleaned to make sure no bacteria remain.
- Placing the Filling – The filling material is applied in layers, shaped to match the natural contour of your tooth, and hardened using a curing light (for composite fillings).
- Polishing and Bite Check – The filling is smoothed and polished, and your dentist checks your bite to make sure everything feels comfortable.
The whole process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on the size and location of the filling.
Dental Filling Aftercare
Looking after your filling properly helps it last longer and keeps the tooth healthy.
First 24 Hours:
The numbness from the anaesthetic will wear off within 1 to 3 hours. Avoid eating on the treated side until the feeling returns fully to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Some mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal and should settle within a few days. Avoid very hot or very cold food and drinks for the first 24 hours.
First Week:
If you have an amalgam filling, avoid chewing hard foods on that side for 24 to 48 hours while the material fully sets. Composite fillings are hardened during the procedure and can be used normally straight away. Brush and floss as usual but be gentle around the treated area for the first couple of days. Mild discomfort is normal. If the pain increases or doesn’t settle after a week, contact us.
Long-Term Care:
Brush twice daily and floss regularly to prevent new decay forming around the filling. Avoid biting on very hard objects like ice, pen caps, or hard sweets. If you grind your teeth at night, speak to your dentist about a mouthguard to protect your fillings from wearing down. Attend regular check-ups so your dentist can monitor the filling and catch any issues early.
When to Contact Us:
- The filling feels rough, sharp, or uncomfortable after a few days
- You notice sensitivity that doesn’t improve within two weeks
- The filling cracks, chips, or falls out
- You experience ongoing pain when biting down
If your filling does come loose or fall out, keep the area clean and book an appointment as soon as possible. The exposed tooth can decay quickly without the filling in place.
Aftercare Availability
We provide 4 weeks of aftercare during our normal working hours from 12 PM to 11 PM, Monday to Sunday (subject to availability).
Please note that outside of these hours, you will be subject to a call-out charge which must be paid prior to attending your appointment.
Preventing Future Dental Decay
If you find yourself needing fillings regularly, it’s worth looking at what might be causing the problem. Our dentists in Acton can help you identify changes to your daily routine that can reduce your risk of further decay. This might include adjustments to your diet, your brushing technique, or a visit to our dental hygienist for a professional clean.
Other Treatments We Provide Besides Fillings:
Book an Emergency Appointment Now
Don’t wait for the pain to worsen! If you need an emergency dental filling in Acton, call us now or book online for immediate relief and expert care.
