Fillings
& Restorations

A chipped edge you keep catching with your tongue, or a twinge when you bite into something sweet. Small signs like these are some of the most common reasons people book with a dentist in Windhoek, and they often mean a tooth needs repair. At Dr Kagiso Moloi and Associates, restorative treatment focuses on fixing the damage while keeping as much of your natural tooth as possible.

What Is A Dental Restoration?

A restoration is any treatment that rebuilds part of a tooth lost to decay or damage. Where most of the tooth has been weakened, a filling may not hold for long, and covering the tooth with a crown tends to last longer.

When Might You Need A Filling?

  • Sensitivity when you eat something sweet or cold
  • A visible hole or dark spot on a tooth
  • Food that keeps catching between the same two teeth
  • An older filling that feels rough or loose

Many small cavities cause no symptoms at all and are only found when you come into the dental practice for a routine examination and X-rays.

Which Materials Are Used?

Most fillings today are made from tooth-coloured composite resin, which bonds to the tooth and can be shaped to match its natural contours. Dr Moloi also trained in the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment approach, which removes softened decay with hand instruments rather than a drill and can be easier for younger or anxious patients.

What Happens During A Filling?

The area is numbed with local anaesthetic first. Once the decay has been removed, the filling material is placed in layers and hardened with a special light. Most fillings are done in a single appointment. If the sound of the drill makes you anxious, mention it when you phone the dental practice so extra time can be set aside.

How Will Your Tooth Feel Afterwards?

Some sensitivity to cold in the first few days is common and generally settles on its own. If the tooth still aches after a week, let the practice know. A lingering ache can mean the nerve inside is inflamed, so Dr Moloi will want to check the tooth again and talk you through your options.

Cavities do not heal on their own, so seeing a dentist in Windhoek while the damage is still small usually means a simpler repair.

Book A Filling Assessment