Tooth Decay Treatment London | Fillings & Restoration | South Kensington

Understanding Tooth Decay: A Preventable Epidemic

Tooth decay—clinically known as dental caries—is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, yet it is almost entirely preventable. At our South Kensington practice, we combine advanced diagnostics with minimally invasive techniques to catch decay early and restore teeth to their natural beauty and function.

Decay begins silently. Long before you feel pain or notice a hole, acid-producing bacteria are demineralising your enamel. By the time symptoms appear, the damage may have progressed significantly. This is why regular examinations are crucial—our experienced dentists can detect early decay that is invisible to the untrained eye, often before it even requires a filling.

Modern restorative dentistry has evolved dramatically. Gone are the days of conspicuous silver amalgam fillings. Today, we use tooth-coloured composites and ceramics that are virtually indistinguishable from natural enamel. The result is a restoration that looks natural, functions beautifully, and preserves as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Understanding the causes of decay empowers you to prevent it. Tooth decay is essentially a bacterial infection, but several factors must align for cavities to form:

Stages of Tooth Decay

Decay progresses through predictable stages. Understanding these helps you appreciate why early intervention is so valuable:

Clinical Insight: The cost difference between treating Stage 1 decay (often free with preventive care) and Stage 5 (potentially £2,000+) is dramatic. This is why we emphasise regular check-ups—catching problems early saves both teeth and money.

Treatment Options

At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, we tailor treatment to the extent of decay and your aesthetic preferences. Our philosophy is always minimally invasive—we preserve as much natural tooth as possible.

1. White Composite Fillings (From £195)

The modern standard for treating small to medium cavities. White fillings are made from composite resin—a blend of glass particles and acrylic that bonds directly to tooth structure.

Benefits:

• Invisible—matched precisely to your natural tooth shade
• Bonds to enamel, strengthening the tooth
• Requires less drilling than amalgam (more tooth preserved)
• Mercury-free and biocompatible
• Completed in a single appointment

2. Porcelain Inlays and Onlays (From £795)

For larger cavities where a standard filling might compromise tooth strength, porcelain inlays offer a superior solution. These are precision-crafted in a dental laboratory and cemented into place.

Benefits:

• Stronger and more durable than composite for large restorations
• Porcelain mimics natural enamel's light-reflecting properties
• Highly stain-resistant
• Can last 15-25 years with proper care
• Preserves more tooth than a crown

3. Dental Crowns (From £995)

When decay has destroyed significant tooth structure, a dental crown may be necessary. This custom-made cap covers the entire visible tooth, restoring strength, shape, and appearance.

Ideal for:

• Teeth weakened by large fillings or decay
• Following root canal treatment
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Severely worn teeth

4. Root Canal Treatment (From £595)

If decay reaches the pulp, root canal therapy can save the tooth. Contrary to reputation, modern root canal treatment is typically painless—comparable to having a filling.

Prevention: The Best Treatment

While we excel at treating decay, we'd rather help you avoid it entirely. Prevention is central to our philosophy:

Why Choose Us for Decay Treatment?

Frequently Asked Questions

Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic
20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3DL