A dental filling is used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay, wear or minor fracture. The decayed or damaged portion is removed and the space is filled with a suitable material to restore the tooth's shape and function. At Maple Leaf Dental in Harrogate, we offer white composite fillings matched to the natural shade of your teeth for a seamless, natural result.

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not pain during treatment. Some sensitivity in the filled tooth in the days following is normal and usually settles quickly. If you experience significant or prolonged discomfort after a filling, please contact us — this is usually a simple adjustment to the bite.

The lifespan of a filling depends on the material, its location and your oral hygiene. White composite fillings typically last between five and ten years. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your fillings and identify any signs of wear, cracking or secondary decay before they become a larger problem.

At Maple Leaf Dental we place tooth-coloured composite resin fillings, which blend naturally with your existing teeth and require less tooth preparation than older materials. We do not place new amalgam (silver) fillings. Composite is a highly versatile, durable and aesthetically pleasing option for both front and back teeth.

Filling costs at Maple Leaf Dental in Harrogate depend on the size and complexity of the restoration. Please visit our fees page for current pricing. Our monthly membership plan also offers discounts on treatment costs for plan members.

Most fillings can be completed in a single appointment, typically taking between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the size and location of the cavity. There's no waiting for laboratory work — white composite fillings are placed and completed in the chair in one visit. We will always explain the process beforehand and ensure you're comfortable throughout.

Yes — many patients choose to replace old silver amalgam fillings with modern tooth-coloured composite for aesthetic reasons. At Maple Leaf Dental, we can assess your existing fillings and discuss whether replacement is appropriate. We will only recommend replacement when there is a clinical or aesthetic reason to do so, and we'll explain the process and any considerations clearly beforehand.

Early-stage decay often has no obvious symptoms, which is why regular check-ups are so important. As decay progresses, you may notice sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold foods, a visible hole or discolouration, or a rough feeling when you run your tongue over the tooth. If you notice any of these signs, contact Maple Leaf Dental in Harrogate for an assessment as soon as possible.

After a composite filling, you can eat almost immediately once the anaesthetic wears off, though we recommend avoiding very hot, cold or hard foods for the first 24 hours. If your bite feels uneven or sensitivity persists beyond a day or two, please contact us — this is usually a quick adjustment. Good oral hygiene around the filled tooth is important from the start.

Yes — fillings can occasionally come loose or fall out, particularly older ones. If this happens, contact Maple Leaf Dental as soon as possible. Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side in the meantime. An exposed cavity can become sensitive and vulnerable to further decay if left untreated for too long.