Basic dental care
Tooth filling
Tooth Filling is a common dental procedure used to repair damage caused by tooth decay, wear, or chipping. If damage to a tooth has progressed to the dentin, it must be filled to prevent the damage from spreading deeper into the tooth’s core, or pulp.
A filling can also be used to repair wear, chips, and leaking seams in old fillings. The filling is usually made of tooth-colored composite resin or, if necessary, a ceramic material.
The most common reason for a dental filling is a cavity, which is caused by tooth decay. However, a tooth may not always show symptoms, even if the cavity has already progressed significantly. Regular dental checkups help detect damage early, at which point treatment is often simpler and more healthy tooth structure can be preserved.
If you have recently had a dental checkup, select “Dentist visit 30min (other than check-up)” from the booking calendar for a filling or other dental work.
Experiences with tooth fillings
How is a tooth filling done?
During a dental filling, the damaged or decayed tissue is first carefully removed by drilling. Afterward, a mold is placed around the tooth, and the tooth is filled with a filling material that restores its shape, function, and durability.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia if necessary, in which case it is usually painless. Most fillings are completed in a single visit.
The duration of the repair depends on the extent of the damage, but it usually takes about 30–60 minutes.
Composite resin or ceramic dental restoration?
Most fillings are made of composite resin. A tooth-colored filling blends naturally with the tooth and can be prepared in a single visit at the dentist’s office. Composite fillings often last about 10 years, after which they need to be replaced. The reason for replacement is often that the filling has chipped or a new cavity has formed next to it.
If a tooth is missing a significant amount of healthy structure or if the damaged area is subject to heavy chewing pressure, a ceramic filling may be recommended. A ceramic filling is a highly durable option, especially for extensive restorations of molars. A ceramic filling is often completed in two dental visits: during the first visit, the tooth is prepared, and during the second visit, the tooth-shaped filling is cemented into place. Ceramic fillings often last about 20 years.
During the examination, the dentist will assess which treatment option offers the best long-term outcome.
A chipped tooth can often be repaired on the spot
A chipped tooth does not always require extensive treatment. Small and medium-sized chips can often be cosmetically repaired with a filling. The goal of the repair is to restore the tooth’s appearance, bite function, and durability as naturally as possible.
The sooner a chipped tooth is repaired, the more of the original tooth structure can usually be saved.
When does a dental filling need to be replaced?
Dental fillings wear down over time, just like natural teeth. An old filling may need to be replaced due to wear, chipping, or new cavities, for example.
If a filling no longer fits snugly against the tooth, bacteria can get underneath it and cause new damage. During regular checkups, the dentist monitors the condition of the fillings and assesses whether they need to be replaced.
When should you seek treatment?
Make an appointment with your dentist if:
- There is a visible hole or discoloration on the tooth
- My tooth aches when it's cold, hot, or sweet
- A piece has come loose from the old spot
- There is a chip in the tooth
- Food keeps getting stuck in the same spot between my teeth
- pain or discomfort when chewing
The sooner a tooth is filled, the less treatment is usually needed to fix the problem.
If you have already had a dental checkup recently, select “Appointment (other than a checkup), up to 30 min” from the calendar for a filling or repair.
Book an appointment
Dental Fillings – Frequently Asked Questions
A tooth filling is performed when a tooth has damage caused by decay, wear, or a chip. The earlier the damage is detected, the more healthy tooth structure can usually be preserved.
A cavity can cause a sharp pain, sensitivity to sweets, or a visible dark spot on the tooth. However, not all cavities cause symptoms, which is why regular checkups are important.
Usually not. If necessary, the tooth is numbed before the procedure, so the filling can be placed comfortably and painlessly.
A well-made plastic dental filling can last for several years, often even more than ten years. Factors affecting its durability include the size of the filling, bite forces, oral hygiene, and eating habits. Ceramic fillings often last for more than ten years.
Yes. Even if the filling doesn't develop a cavity, the tooth's natural tissue around the edges of the filling may be damaged. Regular brushing, cleaning between your teeth, and dental checkups can help prevent new cavities.
A slight sensitivity to cold or when biting down is common, especially after a deep filling. There may be several different causes for the sensitivity in this situation. For example, the filling material may cause tension as it hardens and shrinks. In addition, the drilling process and the materials used in the filling can cause temporary irritation. Symptoms usually subside within a few days or a week. If the sensitivity persists for more than a week, you should visit your dentist to check that the filling, for example, has not been left too high compared to the rest of your bite.
It's a good idea to have a loose filling repaired as soon as possible. An unprotected tooth may chip or suffer further damage, which could lead to more extensive treatment later on.
A composite filling is done right in the office in a single visit. A ceramic filling is custom-madein a dental laboratory and is particularly suitable for situations where a significant amount of tooth structure is missing or where extra durability is required. A ceramic filling is often made of Emax or zirconia and withstands chewing forces better than a composite filling.
You should make an appointment as soon as you notice a cavity, a chip, or a new symptom in your tooth. Early treatment is usually faster, less expensive, and preserves more healthy tooth structure than repairing advanced damage.
Tooth extraction is considered when a tooth can no longer be saved through treatments such as fillings, root canal therapy, or a crown. Other reasons may include severe periodontitis, a fractured tooth, or a problematic wisdom tooth.