Fillings
One of the Most Common Procedures in Dentistry
A filling is a chair-side procedure where a filling material is used to restore the natural anatomy of teeth that have been compromised by dental decay or chipping and breaking. It's usually done in a single visit, and you'll be back to yourself in no time.
At Fiacla Dental Clinic in Churchtown, Dublin 14, we place tooth-coloured fillings that blend in with the teeth around them.
When Do You Need a Filling?
Most fillings are picked up at a routine check-up/dental exam before you've noticed anything. Decay caught early usually needs a smaller filling. Left alone, the same tooth may eventually need a crown or root canal treatment, or even an extraction
Signs worth booking about:
A tooth that's sensitive to sweet things, or to hot and cold
Pain or discomfort when biting on one particular tooth
A visible hole, dark spot or rough edge you can feel with your tongue
Food repeatedly catching in the same spot
A chipped or broken tooth after an accident
An old filling that's cracked, worn or fallen out
What to Expect
When getting a filling, the decayed parts of the tooth will be carefully removed before the space is filled with durable filling material. The process is usually as follows:
The tooth and gum are first numbed with local anaesthetic or numbing gel.
Tooth decay is removed to leave a clean, healthy tooth behind.
The tooth surface is prepared so the composite bonds to it.
The filling is placed in layers and hardened with a curing light at each stage
The surface is shaped and polished, and we check your bite, so nothing feels high when you close.
The whole thing typically takes 20 to 40 minutes. A composite filling is fully set by the time you leave so you can eat and drink as soon as the numbness has worn off.
Does Getting a Filling Hurt?
The tooth is numbed first so you shouldn't feel pain during the treatment. As with most dental procedures, the anticipation is often worse than the appointment. If you're anxious about dental treatment, always feel free to tell us when you book rather than when you're in the chair. There's a lot we can do to make it easier especially when we know in advance. We regularly treat nervous patients, and take our time to put patients at ease, from the moment they book, until they arrive at reception and when in the dental chair.
Sensitivity After a Filling
Some sensitivity for a few days is normal. The filling may be more sensitive to hot or cold, and particularly if the filling was deep. But should settle on its own.
Call us if sensitivity is getting worse rather than better after a week or two; or if you are experiencing any pain that lingers after something hot or cold; or if the filling feels rough, chips or comes out.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
Composite fillings typically last several years. But no filling is permanent and certain types of fillings are more prone to chipping – especially on front teeth or on the edge of a tooth which may need to be replaced every few months or every years in some cases Fillings do wear which is why check-ups matter as much after a filling as before one.
What Do I Do If a Filling Falls Out?
It happens and is rarely an urgent emergency. But a tooth with the filling gone is exposed and can decay quickly, so don't leave it. Call us right away, and we'll get you an appointment to fix it.
How Much Do Fillings Cost?
At Fiacla Dental Clinic, the fees for fillings typically range from €165 to €290, depending on size, complexity, which tooth, and length of time and materials required. If you're PRSI registered you may be entitled to a free annual examination, though fillings themselves aren't covered under the scheme.
Meet Your Filling Dentist
Dr. Shawn Shelley has worked in private practice in both Ireland and Singapore, having completed his Pre-Med degree at the University of Wyoming before qualifying as a dentist at Trinity College Dublin.
At Fiacla Dental Clinic, each patient is unique and we base our high-quality dental care around your individual needs. We take a conservative approach, removing only what needs removing and keeping as much of your own tooth as possible.
Why Patients Choose Fiacla Dental Clinic
Highly recommend this dental clinic. The best I've been to. Very calming environment. Incredible attention to detail throughout so as to guarantee a comfortable visit for patients. Staff go above and beyond to ensure your visit is a very pleasant one. Dr Shelley is fantastic. Extremely thorough, kind and reassuring. Patients are clearly the priority here. I am delighted to have found this practice and will certainly be recommending Fiacla Dental Clinic to all I know.
- SDI went 5 years without going to the dentist as I have a big fear even as an adult. I met Shawn's lovely wife at my own job who kindly booked me in and assured me Shawn would only do what was necessary and at split the appointments up so I wouldn't have to do a lot in one go. I didn't need anything done in the end but Shawn done a fantastic clean and not one second was uncomfortable. Now I book every 6 months and don't dread the appointments. The clinic is also beautiful I must say and all the staff are so friendly. Highly recommend :)
- Susanne GI had my first appointment with Dr Shelley today, cannot rate my experience highly enough. Such a calm, comfortable experience compared to other dental appointments ive had. Had a check up and a cleaning and left feeling so hopeful, maybe I will actually get regular cleanings?! Booking the entire family in here for their next appointments as well. Thanks guys
- Laura TFrequently Asked Questions About Fillings
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At Fiacla Dental Clinic our fillings start at €165, and you'll be given the cost before treatment begins.
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The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic beforehand. You may feel pressure or vibration, but not pain.
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Usually 20 to 40 minutes for a single filling.
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White fillings are usually fully hardened before you leave the clinic, so you only need to wait for the numbness to wear off, usually two to four hours. This is to prevent unknowingly biting your tongue/cheek when eating, or spilling hot drinks on your face or body.
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Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal, especially after a deep filling. If it's worsening after a week or two, or you get lingering pain with hot and cold, call or email us.
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The filling may be sitting fractionally high. It's a very quick adjustment, so don't wait too long for it to settle on its own. Reach out to us for guidance.
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Several years typically. Size, position, occlusion, eating, and grinding can all affect it.
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Not usually, but don't leave it. The exposed tooth can decay quickly. Call us and avoid chewing on that side until we've seen you. If it's painful or the gum is swollen, say so when you call.
Book a Consultation
With Fiacla Dental
If a tooth is sensitive, sore, chipped or you've lost a filling., contact us for a consultation. Call us on (01) 5635898, or leave a voicemail to request a callback, email hello@fiacladental.ie or use the button below to book online.