Fillings that repair decay and match the rest of your teeth, so nobody can tell you have had one. Caught early, a filling is quick and comfortable, and it saves you far bigger treatment later.
Tell us when suits and we will call you back to arrange it. No obligation.
Treatment Overview
What isFilling?
A filling repairs a tooth that has started to decay. Decay is damage caused by acid from the bacteria in plaque, which slowly eats into the tooth and leaves a hole, often called a cavity. We clean out the decay and fill the space, which stops it spreading and gets the tooth working normally again.
We use tooth-coloured fillings, also called composite or white fillings. Composite is a tooth- coloured resin we shape into the tooth and set hard, matched to the shade of your own teeth so it blends in and nobody can tell it is there. It is a change from the older silver-coloured metal fillings, known as amalgam, which stood out and needed more of the healthy tooth removing to hold them in. For a very large cavity, a lab-made inlay or onlay can be a stronger, longer-lasting option than a big filling, and we will tell you if that suits your tooth better.
The best time to deal with decay is early, before it reaches the nerve. A small filling is quick, comfortable and starts from £136. Left too long, that same tooth can need a root canal, which clears infection from inside the tooth, and often a crown on top. That is a lot more treatment and a lot more cost, which is why we would rather catch decay at a check-up while it is still small. Many of the fillings we place were spotted at a routine check-up before they ever caused any pain.
We know the injection is the part people dread. We use The Wand, which numbs the tooth without the big needle, the sting or the soreness, and most patients are surprised at how easy it is. If you are nervous, tell us when you book and we will take it slowly.
This appointment is for you if
You have been told you have a cavity or some decay
A tooth is sensitive to hot, cold or sweet things
You have a small hole, chip or rough edge you can feel
An old filling has broken, worn down or fallen out
You want an old metal filling replaced with a tooth-coloured one
Longer appointments, so we can talk through your concerns and give you a break if you need one.
Almost pain-free injections
The Wand numbs you without the big needle or the sting. Most patients are surprised how easy it is.
Digital X-rays
We diagnose faster, more accurately and with far less radiation than older film.
A hand to hold
Bring a partner in, or hold a nurse's hand. If you ever need us, we respond the same day.
About Waterside Dental
Your private dental practicein Hythe.
Waterside Dental is a private practice in Hythe, owned and led by principal dentist Dr Nikos Louskos since 2017. It has recently been refurbished to feel more like home than a clinic, and is run by a small, hand-picked team — so you'll always see a familiar face.
Care here is unhurried and patient-led. Appointments are longer so concerns can be talked through properly, treatment is explained in plain language, and nothing is rushed — with breaks during longer procedures whenever you need them.
We welcome private patients from Hythe and across Southampton — whether you're registering as a new patient or visiting for a single course of treatment while staying with your current dentist.
"I firmly believe that dentistry doesn't have to be unpleasant or scary, and that often it can be life-changing."
DR NIKOS LOUSKOS
Our Principal Dentist
Meet Dr NikosLouskos.
DDS · MSc Endodontics · GDC No. 102626
Principal dentist and practice owner, with a special interest in endodontics.
Dr Nikos Louskos qualified in Athens in 2005 and moved to the UK in 2006. He worked as an associate at Waterside before taking ownership of the practice in 2017.
In 2016 he completed a Master's in Endodontic Practice at Queen Mary University of London. He accepts referrals for complex root canal cases, which he treats under a microscope, and enjoys all aspects of general dentistry.
Nobody wants surprises after a dental visit. You'll get an itemised treatment plan with exact costs before anything begins, plus monthly payment options to spread the cost.
Finance is provided by Tabeo and is interest-bearing from 9.9% APR. Practice-plan discounts apply to selected treatments — full terms are listed on the Fees and Plans pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions patientsask us.
A few of the things patients ask us most often. If your question isn't here, just get in touch — we're happy to talk it through.
No. We use tooth-coloured composite, matched to the shade of your own tooth, so it blends in. Unlike the older silver metal fillings, you and other people should not be able to see it.
It should not. We numb the tooth first if you need it, using The Wand for a gentler injection without the big needle or the sting. Most people say a filling is far easier than they expected. Tell us if you are nervous and we will take it slowly.
A tooth-coloured filling starts from £136. The exact price depends on how big the filling is and which tooth it is on, so we always give you an itemised cost before we start.
Yes. If an old amalgam (metal) filling is worn, broken, or you simply want it gone, we can replace it with a tooth-coloured one. If a metal filling is sound and not causing any problems, we will give you our honest view on whether it needs changing at all.
It is not tooth whitening, but removing built-up staining from tea, coffee, red wine and smoking often makes teeth look brighter and cleaner. If you want to go whiter than your natural shade, that is tooth whitening, which is a separate treatment.
A well-cared-for filling can last many years, but no filling lasts forever. Cleaning well at home and keeping up your check-ups is the best way to make it last. We check your existing fillings every time you come in.
It does not get better on its own. Decay spreads deeper, and once it reaches the nerve it usually causes pain and can turn into an infection. At that point a simple filling is no longer enough, and the tooth may need a root canal and a crown, or in the worst case to come out. Catching it early is always cheaper and easier.
Not always. Sensitivity has several causes, and only some of them need a filling. Come in and we will find out what is behind yours, then only suggest a filling if the tooth actually needs one.
Almost always to fill it and keep it. Your own tooth is better than any replacement, so if there is enough healthy tooth left we will repair it. We would only suggest taking a tooth out if it is too far gone to save, and we would talk you through replacing it.
Whether you'd like to book or just have a question about treatment, send us a message and a member of the team will get back to you — the same day wherever we can.
