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Placed by our full clinical team
CQC registered clinic
Mercury free composite resin
Regulated by CQC
BAPRAS – British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons member
BAAPS – British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons member
Dentistry Awards Finalist 2025
General Dental Council Registered
General Medical Council Registered
RealSelf Top Doctor
Composite Fillings

Composite Fillings in Nottingham: Tooth Coloured, Mercury Free Cavity Repair

A precise, bonded restoration that repairs decay and minor damage in a single visit.

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What is a composite filling?

A composite filling is a tooth coloured restoration made from a resin matrix combined with finely ground glass or ceramic particles. The same family of material is used in composite bonding. During your appointment, your dentist removes any decay, cleans the cavity, and builds the composite up in thin layers, each hardened with a blue curing light. The final layer is shaped to match your bite and polished to a smooth finish.

Composite fillings are also sometimes called white fillings.

Zenith Cosmetic Dental treatment room with a dental chair, overhead light, cabinetry and X ray unit
1.

Pre Treatment

Your dentist examines the affected tooth, checks your bite and, where needed, takes a radiograph to see between teeth and beneath any existing fillings. Decay not visible to the eye can show up on radiographs. You receive a clear treatment plan with the proposed filling sites and a written quote before any treatment begins.

2.

Treatment

Local anaesthetic is given where indicated. Small, shallow fillings can be placed without anaesthetic, but anything close to the nerve will be numbed. The decay is then removed, and the composite resin is built up in thin layers, with each layer cured using a blue curing light. Layering ensures even setting and a better long term result.

3.

Post Treatment

Once the local anaesthetic wears off, usually two to three hours after your appointment, you can eat and drink normally. The composite is fully hardened by the curing light during placement, so it is already at full strength when you leave. Most patients return to work immediately after their appointment.

4.

Side Effects and Risks

Possible side effects include short term sensitivity to temperature or pressure, which typically settles within a week. In some cases a filling may chip or wear down over time. Published clinical data reports an annual failure rate of approximately 1 to 3% for posterior composite restorations. If you experience persistent discomfort or notice a change in your bite, contact your dentist for a review.

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Composite Filling Results at Zenith

At Zenith Dental Clinic, our experienced team delivers composite filling results with a clinically led, patient centred approach focused on natural looking, well matched outcomes, while guiding you through every stage of your restoration with honesty, care and full transparency.

Before & After

Before and after showing upper molar teeth, with a composite filling visible on the chewing surface after treatment.
Before (top) and after (bottom) showing removal of decay and placement of a tooth coloured composite filling on a lower molar.
    * Individual results vary. Images shown with explicit patient consent. Composite filling outcomes vary by cavity size, position and patient factors including diet, oral hygiene and parafunctional habits.
    view all
    "Attended Zenith Dental Clinic with a chipped tooth / filling. Dr Maini was lovely and fixed my tooth in a timely manner, which I was most grateful for. Highly recommend!"
    "I have had a filling replaced today. Fantastic service, made to feel at ease and comfortable. Visiting the Zenith Dental Clinic has changed how I feel about dental care. I used to be a very nervous patient but not anymore."
    "I visited Zenith this morning for a filling and found all the staff, nurse Angela and my dentist to be totally professional and extremely kind. I was kept informed of my treatment throughout the procedure and have signed up to their dental plan. I would highly recommend them without hesitation as I…"

    Why Timely Treatment Matters

    Untreated dental decay progresses. A small cavity that could be restored with a straightforward composite filling becomes, over time, a deep cavity needing root canal treatment, then a tooth that may need extraction. The clinical case for treating cavities early is straightforward: the longer you leave it, the more complex and costly the eventual treatment becomes. Our experienced team will assess your tooth and recommend the most conservative option available.

    Expert Care. Always.

    Composite dental fillings offer a safe, effective and natural looking way to treat cavities and restore your smile with minimal disruption to your daily life.

    At Zenith, every dentist on our clinical team places composite fillings. We work with established, quality composite materials, because material choice meaningfully affects wear resistance, polish retention and how the filling looks at five years. We are honest about longevity: most well placed posterior composites last 7 to 10 years before they need a refresh, repair or replacement.

    Where Composite Fillings Are Used

    Composite is used to repair cavities at all stages, chipped or fractured edges on front or back teeth, worn biting surfaces from grinding or acid erosion, and old failed fillings including amalgam fillings being electively replaced. It can also correct small gaps between teeth and minor shape issues, although larger cosmetic work is usually delivered as composite bonding. Our experienced team will always recommend the most appropriate restoration for your tooth after examination.

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    Expert Composite Fillings in Nottingham

    Zenith Dental Clinic is a CQC registered private practice in Nottingham, led by Principal Dentist Dr Karan Maini. Composite fillings are placed by our full clinical team. We are Dentistry Awards finalists, and committed to honest, evidence based care from your first examination through to long term review.

    Placed by our full clinical team

    Your composite filling dentists

    Composite fillings are placed by every dentist on our clinical team. Each dentist plans your treatment with your long term oral health and comfort in mind.

    Independently inspected

    CQC registered clinic

    Zenith Dental Clinic is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission. CQC registration means our facilities, processes and patient care standards meet regulatory requirements.

    Spread the cost with Tabeo

    Finance and Dental Plan savings

    We work with Tabeo, a regulated UK dental finance provider, to spread the cost of your filling treatment over fixed monthly payments. Finance is subject to status. We also offer 10% off all composite filling fees to members of our Dental Plan.
    Blends with your smile

    Natural appearance

    Composite is tooth coloured and colour matched to your natural tooth shade, making it virtually invisible once placed. For front tooth fillings, layered placement allows the filling to mimic the translucency of natural enamel as well as the colour. Most patients leave without anyone able to tell they have had a filling.
    Preserves more natural tooth

    Minimally invasive

    Because composite bonds directly to the tooth, we remove only what is diseased and preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. This is a more conservative approach than the old amalgam technique, which required undercut cavity walls and often involved removing intact tooth structure to achieve mechanical retention.
    No overpromising, ever

    Honest about longevity

    We do not advertise composite fillings as permanent. Published clinical data gives us an honest longevity range: most well placed posterior composites last 7 to 10 years before they need a refresh, repair or replacement, with caries risk and grinding being the main variables. We will always give you a realistic picture at examination.

    Frequently
    Asked
    Questions

    We want you to feel confident at every stage of your journey, so here are answers to the most common questions about composite fillings.
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    Is getting a composite filling painful?

    Most filling appointments are performed under local anaesthetic, so the tooth is fully numb during treatment. Small, shallow fillings can sometimes be placed without anaesthetic. Mild sensitivity to cold or to biting pressure for a few days afterwards is normal and almost always settles within a week. If you are anxious about dental treatment, please let us know and we will talk through your options with you.

    How long do composite fillings last?

    Most well placed posterior composite fillings last 7 to 10 years before they need a refresh, repair or replacement. Published clinical data reports an annual failure rate of approximately 1 to 3%. Longevity depends on cavity size and location, your oral hygiene, diet, and whether you grind your teeth. Good home care and regular dental check ups will help extend the life of your filling.

    Can composite fillings be used on front teeth?

    Yes. Composite fillings are ideal for front teeth because they can be colour matched precisely to your natural tooth shade. For front tooth restorations, layered placement allows the filling to mimic the translucency of natural enamel as well as the colour, giving a result that is virtually invisible. Your dentist will select the closest shade to your natural teeth before treatment begins.

    Should I replace my old amalgam fillings?

    Not automatically. UK clinical guidance, supported by NHS England and the British Dental Association, is that intact, sealed and symptom free amalgam fillings do not need to be removed solely because they contain mercury. Replacement is clinically indicated when an amalgam shows signs of failure such as secondary decay, a fracture or a leaky margin, or where you choose to replace it for cosmetic reasons. Your dentist will discuss your specific situation at examination.

    Will people be able to see the filling?

    Composite fillings are designed to be virtually invisible. They are carefully colour matched and shaped to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth. Because composite can be layered and polished to a smooth, reflective finish, most people find the result indistinguishable from their natural teeth. This is particularly true for front tooth restorations, where shade matching and translucency are especially important.

    What is the difference between a composite filling and composite bonding?

    The material is the same. A composite filling is a restorative treatment to repair a cavity, chip or worn area on any tooth. It replaces lost tooth structure. Composite bonding is a cosmetic application of the same material to reshape and improve the appearance of front teeth that are otherwise structurally sound. If you are unsure which treatment you need, your dentist will advise you clearly at examination.

    Can I eat and drink after a composite filling?

    Yes, once the local anaesthetic has worn off, usually two to three hours after your appointment. The composite is fully hardened by the curing light during placement, so it is already at full strength when you leave. While numb, avoid hot drinks and take care chewing to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. Most patients return to eating and drinking normally the same day.

    How much do composite fillings cost?

    Composite fillings are priced per filling, with the fee depending on the size of the cavity and the number of surfaces involved. A single surface filling starts from £227. Your personalised quote is confirmed after examination, before any treatment begins. Dental Plan members receive 10% off all composite filling fees. A clear written quote is provided with no pressure and no obligation.

    Composite filling finance options available.
    Credit Card*
    Debit Card*
    Cash
    Bank Transfer

    *charges may apply for certain cards

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    What's Included with Your Filling at Zenith

    From £227

    Starting price for a single surface composite filling. Multi surface and more complex restorations are priced per case. Your final quote is confirmed at examination.

    • Clinical examination and bite assessment
    • Radiographs where indicated to assess decay beneath existing fillings
    • Composite filling placed and polished in a single appointment
    • Written treatment plan and quote before treatment begins
    • Personalised aftercare guidance
    • Finance available via Tabeo, subject to status
    • 10% off for Dental Plan members

    Your Private Dentists in Nottingham

    Composite fillings at Zenith are placed by our full clinical team, each registered with the General Dental Council and committed to honest, evidence based dentistry. Our practice is led by Principal Dentist Dr Karan Maini (BDS, Dip OS, GDC 272548). Every dentist plans your treatment with your long term oral health and comfort in mind.

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    Prefer to Chat?
      A dentist examining a patient's teeth using a mouth mirror and dental probe during a check up.
      Step 1

      Book Your Consultation

      Book a consultation with one of our experienced dentists. We will carry out a full clinical examination, check your bite, take any radiographs needed to assess the extent of decay, and provide a written treatment plan.

      A person fitting a clear dental aligner over their teeth, smiling at the camera.
      Step 2

      Receive Expert Care

      Your dentist numbs the area where needed and removes the decay, then builds up the composite in thin layers, each hardened with a curing light. The final layer is shaped and polished to match your bite, usually completed in a single visit.

      Close up of a person smiling, showing upper teeth with some yellowing at the edges.
      Step 3

      Enjoy a Healthier Smile

      Once the anaesthetic wears off, you can eat and drink normally. We will give you clear aftercare guidance to help extend the life of your filling. Regular hygiene appointments and check ups at Zenith will keep your restored tooth healthy for years to come.

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      Expert Care.
      Always.

      Dr Karan Maini smiling with arms crossed, wearing branded scrubs
      Zenith Dental Clinic is CQC registered and led by Principal Dentist Dr Karan Maini, BDS, Dip OS. We are General Dental Council registered, Dentistry Awards finalists, and a Platinum Elite Invisalign Provider. Composite fillings are placed by our full clinical team, and every patient receives a clear treatment plan and written quote before any work begins.
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      Start Your Journey

      Book your examination and we will plan the right restoration for you
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      Clinical references & evidence base
      1. United Nations Environment Programme. Minamata Convention COP 6 agrees to end the use of dental amalgam by 2034. UNEP, 7 November 2025. unep.org
      2. European Commission. Mercury Regulation (EU) 2024/1849 amendments to Regulation (EU) 2017/852. Phase out of dental amalgam in the European Union from 1 January 2025.
      3. Astvaldsdottir A, Dagerhamn J, van Dijken JW, et al. Longevity of posterior resin composite restorations in adults a systematic review. Journal of Dentistry. 2015;43(8):934 954. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25963392
      4. Demarco FF, Correa MB, Cenci MS, Moraes RR, Opdam NJ. Longevity of posterior composite restorations: not only a matter of materials. Dental Materials. 2012;28(1):87 101. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22192253
      5. Opdam NJ, Bronkhorst EM, Loomans BA, Huysmans MC. 12 year survival of composite vs. amalgam restorations. Journal of Dental Research. 2010;89(10):1063 1067. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20660797
      6. Mickenautsch S, Yengopal V. Adhesive (minimally invasive) versus conventional cavity preparations evidence summary on minimally invasive operative dentistry.
      7. British Dental Association. Position on dental amalgam. BDA, current revision. bda.org
      8. Moraschini V, Fai CK, Alto RM, Santos GO. Amalgam and resin composite longevity of posterior restorations: a systematic review and meta analysis. Journal of Dentistry. 2015;43(9):1043 1050. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26116767
      9. Care Quality Commission. Standards for dental services. CQC, current revision. cqc.org.uk
      10. General Dental Council. The Standards for the Dental Team. GDC, current revision. gdc uk.org