The Technique:

Tooth is numbed.

Rubber dam is applied.

All decay and weakened enamel is removed from the tooth.

For fillings a metal or plastic band may be placed around the tooth to help produce a satisfactory shape. The filling material is inserted and then shaped to the correct form.

For inlays an impression is taken of the tooth and a temporary inserted while the dental laboratory constructs the restoration.

Gold Inlays:

As gold is very strong it can be used in thin layers so cavities for gold inlays are often not as deep as for other materials. The metal conducts hot and cold and does not chemically bond to teeth like tooth-coloured materials do. The appearance is not natural. Despite these drawbacks, gold inlays remain among the longest lasting of all fillings.

What to expect after fillings and inlays:

The area surrounding the injection site may be tender for a couple of days. The filled tooth may react abnormally to hot and cold at first, and may stay sensitive with extremes of temperature (eg. Ice-cream) for several months (especially gold inlays). Any pain or sensitivity should show definite signs of reducing over the first few days. If it doesn't, or gets worse, contact the dentist.

If the tooth feels 'proud' when the injection wears off, it will need adjusting by the dentist, otherwise, it may break.

Sometimes,  despite our best efforts at repair, a  tooth which has already been badly damaged by decay may cause problems weeks or months after the filling has been placed, and may require further treatment.