Restore Your Tooth — Naturally & Painlessly
Modern tooth-coloured composite fillings repair decayed, damaged or cracked teeth beautifully — blending seamlessly with your natural tooth and completed comfortably in a single appointment.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Mercury-free, natural-looking restorations for your smile
A dental filling is a restorative material used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay, fracture or wear. At Wickham Market Dental Practice, we place tooth-coloured composite resin fillings as our primary filling material — providing results that are virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth enamel.
We no longer routinely place amalgam (silver) fillings. Composite resin is mercury-free, bonds directly to the tooth structure (requiring less tooth removal), and provides excellent strength and aesthetics. Most fillings are completed in a single appointment under local anaesthetic.
Whether you need a small filling for early decay or a larger restoration for a heavily damaged tooth, our team will ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure and that the final result looks and feels completely natural.
Why Choose Wickham Market Dental?
- Experienced, caring clinical team
- NHS and private treatment options
- Modern, comfortable practice
- Flexible finance available
- Serving patients since 1985
- Convenient Suffolk location
Why Patients Choose This Treatment
Natural Appearance
Composite fillings are shade-matched to your existing tooth colour, making them virtually invisible. Say goodbye to dark amalgam fillings that show when you smile.
Mercury-Free
Our composite fillings contain no mercury or amalgam. Composite resin is a biocompatible, clinically proven material that is safe and highly durable.
Less Tooth Removal
Composite bonds directly to tooth structure, meaning less healthy tooth needs to be removed compared to amalgam. This helps preserve your natural tooth for longer.
Strong & Durable
Modern composite resins are highly durable and withstand normal biting forces well. A well-placed composite filling can last 7–10 years with good oral hygiene.
Single Appointment
In most cases, your filling is completed in one visit. The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on the size and location of the cavity.
NHS Available
Fillings are available under the NHS at Band 2 pricing. Private white composite fillings are also available for patients who prefer premium materials and extended appointment time.
Do You Need a Filling?
You may need a filling if you are experiencing or your dentist has identified:
Not sure if this is right for you?
Book a consultation with our experienced team. We will assess your individual situation and recommend the most suitable treatment for your needs and goals.
Book Free ConsultationYour Treatment Journey
We guide you through every stage — from your first consultation to your final result.
Assessment & X-rays
10–15 minutesYour dentist examines the tooth and may take X-rays to determine the extent of the decay and whether a filling is the appropriate treatment. The procedure, options and costs are discussed with you.
Local Anaesthesia
5 minutesLocal anaesthetic is administered to ensure you feel completely comfortable. We always ensure the area is fully numb before proceeding.
Decay Removal
10–20 minutesThe decayed or damaged tooth material is carefully removed using a dental drill and/or hand instruments, leaving only healthy tooth structure behind.
Tooth Conditioning
5 minutesThe cavity is cleaned, conditioned with a mild etching solution and a bonding agent is applied to ensure optimal adhesion of the composite filling material.
Filling Placement & Curing
15–25 minutesThe tooth-coloured composite is applied in layers, each cured with a UV light. The filling is built up and shaped to recreate the natural contours of the tooth and a correct biting surface.
Finishing & Bite Check
5–10 minutesThe filling is polished to a smooth surface and your bite is carefully checked and adjusted to ensure perfect comfort. You leave with a restored, natural-looking tooth.
Treatment Fees
NHS Filling
Band 2 NHS charge (2024)
- Available for registered NHS patients
- Clinically appropriate filling material
- Covers all fillings in that course of care
- Band 2 includes all associated treatment
Private White Filling (Small)
1–2 surface filling
- Premium composite resin material
- Precise shade matching
- Longer appointment time — no rushing
- Ideal for front teeth and visible areas
- 1-year guarantee on workmanship
Private White Filling (Large)
3+ surface or large restoration
- Complex multi-surface restoration
- Premium layered composite technique
- Ideal for large back tooth restorations
- Excellent strength and durability
- Natural cuspal anatomy reproduction
Flexible Finance Available
No finance required for most individual fillings. Ask about our dental health plans for regular care savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions our patients ask most often.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, composite fillings typically last 7–10 years. Longevity depends on the size and location of the filling, your bite forces and oral hygiene habits. Regular polishing and check-up appointments help maximise the lifespan of your fillings.
Can't find what you're looking for? Our team is happy to help.
Call us: 01728 746220Real Patient Results
Click the Before / After tabs to see the transformation. All cases treated here at Wickham Market Dental Practice.
All smile gallery images are illustrative examples. Our full patient case gallery is available to view at your consultation, with full patient consent.
Book a Consultation to See MoreWhat Our Patients Say
“Had three old amalgam fillings replaced with white composites. The difference is remarkable — you genuinely cannot see them at all. The dentist was so careful and gentle throughout. Really pleased.”
“Came in with toothache and was seen promptly. The filling was done quickly and painlessly and the sensitivity has completely gone. Great team and easy to get an appointment.”
Book Your Consultation Today
Take the first step towards the smile you deserve. Our friendly team at Wickham Market Dental Practice is ready to help.