Tooth decay happens when the enamel and dentine of a tooth become softened by acid attack, producing a cavity (hole). It is caused by plaque acids that gradually dissolve away the enamel and dentine of the tooth to produce a cavity. Decay damages your teeth and may lead to the tooth needing to be filled or even extracted. If the decay in your tooth is not too serious, your dentist will remove all the decay and restore the tooth with a filling.

For over 150 years standard fillings have been made out of a silvery-grey material called ‘amalgam’. This is still one of the strongest and long lasting materials available for fillings. However, many people find it unattractive and some are concerned about possible health risks.

Composite fillings (White fillings) are now becoming a popular alternative to amalgam fillings. New white filling materials mean it is much easier to find a perfect match for the shades of individual teeth. In most cases, it is impossible to see that the tooth even has a filling