Composite & GIC Fillings

Tooth decay and physical chipping are among the most common dental issues patients face. Left untreated, a small cavity or minor fracture can deepen rapidly, reaching the inner nerve and resulting in severe pain, infection, or the need for more complex interventions like root canal therapy.

At Hilton Dental Clinic, we provide advanced, tooth-colored restorative treatments to repair damaged teeth, seal out bacteria, and restore full functional strength. Operating across three fully equipped branches in Lagos—Lekki, Amuwo, and Sangotedo—our clinical experts use premium Composite and Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) materials to ensure your smile remains strong, healthy, and completely natural-looking.

All You Need to Know About Dental Fillings

Understanding how dental fillings work helps demystify the treatment process and highlights why addressing cavities early is critical for long-term oral health:

• What is a Dental Filling? A dental filling is a restorative procedure where decayed, damaged, or worn tooth structure is cleaned out and replaced with a biocompatible material, sealing the space against future bacterial invasion.
• Why Outdated Amalgam (Silver) Fillings Are Replaced: Older metal amalgam fillings contain mercury, contrast sharply with natural teeth, and can cause the surrounding tooth structure to crack over time due to expansion and contraction. Modern dentistry heavily favors tooth-colored alternatives like composite and GIC for their aesthetic and structural safety.
• Preserving Natural Tooth Structure: Modern filling techniques require minimal drilling, allowing your dentist to preserve as much of your healthy, natural tooth enamel as possible.

Composite vs. GIC Fillings

At Hilton Dental Clinic, we offer two premier types of tooth-colored restorations, each tailored to specific clinical needs and locations within the mouth:

1. Composite Resin Fillings

• The Material: A specialized mixture of plastic (resin) and finely ground glass filler engineered to match the exact shade of your natural teeth.
• How It Works: The composite paste is applied in layers and hardened instantly using a specialized curing light. It bonds directly to your tooth enamel, providing exceptional structural reinforcement.
• Best Used For: Visible front teeth, noticeable chips, gaps, and moderate cavities on back teeth where aesthetics are a top priority.

2. Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) Fillings

• The Material: A tooth-colored restorative material made from acrylic and a specific type of glass.
• How It Works: GIC chemically bonds directly to the tooth structure and continuously releases low levels of fluoride over time, offering active protection against recurrent decay.
• Best Used For: Pediatric dentistry (children’s teeth), root surface fillings, non-load-bearing areas, and cavities located below the gumline.

Dental Filling Prices in Naira (Lagos Rate Guide)

At Hilton Dental Clinic, we maintain transparent, patient-first pricing with no hidden charges. The cost of a dental filling depends on the size of the cavity and the specific material chosen:

Filling Category	Description	Price Range (Nigerian Naira – ₦)
Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) Filling	Fluoride-releasing tooth-colored filling, ideal for pediatric or root-level repairs.	₦35,000 – ₦50,000 per surface
Standard Composite Filling	Aesthetic tooth-colored resin filling matched to your natural enamel shade.	₦45,000 – ₦70,000 per surface
Complex / Multi-Surface Composite	Larger restorations covering multiple tooth surfaces requiring advanced shaping and layering.	₦75,000 – ₦120,000

Note: Corporate health insurance (HMO) plans and family health packages may cover basic restorative treatments. Reach out to your preferred branch to confirm your specific provider coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the dental filling procedure painful?

No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia whenever the decay extends near sensitive layers of the tooth, ensuring you feel zero pain. You may feel mild pressure or vibrations, but our clinicians prioritize your absolute comfort.

2. How long do composite and GIC fillings last?

With excellent daily oral hygiene and routine bi-annual checkups, composite fillings typically last 5 to 10 years or longer. GIC fillings are generally used as durable intermediate restorations or for low-stress areas, lasting several years while protecting the tooth from further decay.

3. Can I eat immediately after getting a filling?

• For Composite Fillings: Yes! Because composite resin is cured instantly using a blue light, it is fully hardened by the time you leave the chair, allowing you to eat right away.
• For GIC Fillings: It is generally recommended to avoid hard or sticky foods for about 1 to 2 hours while the material achieves its final set.

4. Why are my teeth sensitive after a new filling?

It is completely normal to experience mild sensitivity to cold or pressure for a few days after a filling as the tooth adjusts. If the sensitivity persists beyond a week or feels sharp when you bite down, simply contact our clinic so we can easily adjust the bite.

5. Can old metal (amalgam) fillings be replaced with white composite fillings?

Yes. Many patients choose to replace old, unsightly silver amalgam fillings with aesthetic, tooth-colored composite resin for a seamless, natural-looking smile.

Visit Hilton Dental Clinic Across Lagos

Ready to repair a cavity or restore your tooth structure? Book your dental filling appointment at any of our three accessible, modern clinic branches in Lagos, Nigeria:

• Lekki Branch: Strategically located to serve patients across Lekki Phase 1, Ikate, Maroko, and Victoria Island corridors.
• Amuwo Branch: Perfectly positioned to provide family and specialized restorative care across Amuwo Odofin, Festac Town, and surrounding environments.
• Sangotedo Branch: Easily accessible for residents around Sangotedo, Ajah, Awoyaya, and the expanding Lekki-Epe Expressway axis.

Protect your teeth and maintain your natural smile. Contact Hilton Dental Clinic today to schedule your consultation at our Lekki, Amuwo, or Sangotedo branches!