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Original poster

Any dentists on here/ people with dental filling experiences?

34 replies

katem98 · 07/08/2025 12:25

Hi all, it sounds ridiculous but I am absolutely petrified of the dentist. I need 2 fillings and I have just booked one in for September. The dentist advised I pay extra (£200) for a white filling. This is quite a bit compared to the £75 for the silver filling.
She said that the silver filling can be more painful than the white as they remove more of the tooth. I have so many outgoings coming up and would prefer to just pay the £75! Is it really worth having the white filling pain wise? I’m not worried about the look of the silver as it is located right at the back of my mouth. Any experience hugely appreciated!

OP posts:
Justwingingit2005 · 07/08/2025 12:28

I have two white fillings. No experience on amalgam fillings.
I do think white look better if they are lower teeth or at the front.

beachwalkx · 07/08/2025 12:49

they do need to remove a bit more of the tooth but I’ve had no extra pain as you would be numb anyway
mine are silver from choice as I had issues with a white one not staying in

GG1986 · 07/08/2025 16:10

It won't be more painful as surely you will be numb? So it won't make any difference. If you aren't worried about the way it looks then go for the silver amalgam filling. I have white fillings on my lower teeth and one silver filling at the top and you can't see it.

Original poster
katem98 · 07/08/2025 17:45

Thank you all. True about the local anaesthetic, I didn’t think about that Grin. Does anyone find fillings hurt with local anaesthetic? I haven’t had one since being young and I’m so, so nervous!

OP posts:
YellowOfficeBlock · 07/08/2025 17:53

Dental treatment really doesn’t hurt these days. I’ve had fillings and recently had a root canal. I hate the dentist and was really nervous about it but it was absolutely fine. I didn’t feel any pain at all. I wore headphones and listened to music while the treatment was happening and it really helped. X

catlovingdoctor · 07/08/2025 17:53

Sometimes, (not universally), because dentists are paid so little for NHS treatment, they might ration their use of the local anaesthetic as it's across two fillings. Often NHS treatment leaves them out of pocket. If you pay privately they might be able to use more.

blibblibs · 07/08/2025 18:01

catlovingdoctor · 07/08/2025 17:53

Sometimes, (not universally), because dentists are paid so little for NHS treatment, they might ration their use of the local anaesthetic as it's across two fillings. Often NHS treatment leaves them out of pocket. If you pay privately they might be able to use more.

Nonsense, you will be given enough anesthetic that you won't feel any pain regardless if you're having multiple fillings.

Judiezones · 07/08/2025 18:15

Fillings don't hurt when they're being done. Sometimes, if they're big, they can take a while to settle down and might be a bit niggly for a few days. Maybe that's what your dentist meant, that she'd have to remove more tooth for an amalgam and therefore it would go nearer the nerve.
If the tooth can't be seen, I'd go for the cheaper option.

CurlyKoalie · 07/08/2025 18:36

Old biddy here.
A dentist once told me that silver amalgam can actually last longer on the back grinding teeth than a white filling
I have some amalgam fillings at the back that have been in place 40 years! So I would go for that cheaper option.
Regarding if it hurts. Modern local anaesthetic is wonderful stuff
A good dentist will check you can't feel anything
I had 2 wisdom teeth out under local anaesthetic about 15 years ago. Didn't feel a thing. With fillings, if it's done well no pain but am irritating noise for a few minutes

Ahsheeit · 07/08/2025 18:39

You'll feel no pain, I promise. The silver filling will be fine for a back tooth. Tell them that you're nervous and they'll be reassuring. You can ask them to stop at any time for a breather by putting your hand up. You'll be fine.

tarheelbaby · 07/08/2025 18:46

I have had 2 fillings in the same molar! This is my only 'problem' tooth and it's a doozie. The first filling was my first ever filling so I opted for a white one but eventually I had to have it replaced at which point I scrapped vanity and went for an amalgam.
If you fillings will be in back teeth, I'd go for the less expensive, metal option.
Both times, the dentist numbed my gum appropriately so there was no pain. The drilling is unpleasant and there is a burning smell. Inserting the filling (white or metal) is quick and then you are on your way.
Good luck and bon appétit!

Greysowhat · 07/08/2025 19:55

I have lots of fillings both white and amalgam/silver. I have never had any pain from any of them being done and have never heard that amalgams are more painful to do. There should not be any pain when getting a filling done. Well apart from the injection but that's only a second or two.

pambeesleyhalpert · 07/08/2025 20:07

That is BS about it being more painful!! What kind of cowboy is this!

pambeesleyhalpert · 07/08/2025 20:07

That is BS about it being more painful!! What kind of cowboy is this!

pambeesleyhalpert · 07/08/2025 20:07

That is BS about it being more painful!! What kind of cowboy is this!

pambeesleyhalpert · 07/08/2025 20:07

That is BS about it being more painful!! What kind of cowboy is this!

beachwalkx · 07/08/2025 21:13

pambeesleyhalpert · 07/08/2025 20:07

That is BS about it being more painful!! What kind of cowboy is this!

I think they might mean more painful after if it takes a while to settle as it’ll be a deeper filling than if it’s white

Greysowhat · 08/08/2025 06:20

beachwalkx · 07/08/2025 21:13

I think they might mean more painful after if it takes a while to settle as it’ll be a deeper filling than if it’s white

Show quote history

No, it should not be painful afterwards either. If it is there is something wrong like the filling being too close to the nerve. If that is the case then the dentist should have done root canal treatment. I'd think about seeing another dentist.

catlovingdoctor · 08/08/2025 17:34

blibblibs · 07/08/2025 18:01

Nonsense, you will be given enough anesthetic that you won't feel any pain regardless if you're having multiple fillings.

Show quote history

Not nonsense. It's been known to happen with a small number of dentists.

YodasHairyButt · 08/08/2025 17:38

Neither is more painful than the other. Amalgam (silver) is more hard wearing than composite (white) and probably will probably last longer on a back tooth. Don’t pay extra for white thinking you’re getting something better.

Sootyb · 10/08/2025 10:16

I wouldn't use silver fillings because of the mercury

Hesma · 10/08/2025 10:28

Are you a redhead? My DD is and when she needed a small filling it took extra numbing which apparently is common for redheads. If you feel anything let the dentist know and they can numb a bit more.

FeralWoman · 10/08/2025 10:32

I grew up getting amalgam fillings. Still have them except for one. They’ve lasted 35-40 years so far. The one I no longer have required a root canal so the filling was removed and a crown fitted.

I have some newer white fillings. So far they’re fine. They’re probably 10-15 years old so far.

Amalgam fillings are banned in my country. I’d happily still get them if I could.

BeNiceorBeQuiet · 10/08/2025 10:58

I've had both types only difference in my experience is price and aesthetics, at hack of my mouth silver would be fine x

BeNiceorBeQuiet · 10/08/2025 10:58

I've had both types only difference in my experience is price and aesthetics, at back of my mouth silver would be fine x