Dental Fillings

What it involves

A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay or a small fracture. The dentist removes the damaged part of the tooth, cleans the space and fills it with a restorative material. Common materials include tooth-coloured composite resin, glass ionomer and amalgam. The choice depends on the location and size of the cavity, and on your preferences and the options in the practice.

Who it is for

Fillings are for people with a cavity or a chipped tooth that can be restored. A dentist usually finds decay at a check-up, sometimes with an X-ray, and may advise a filling before the cavity grows.

How long it usually takes

Many fillings are completed in a single visit. Larger repairs can take longer or need more than one visit.

What to expect

The dentist typically numbs the area with local anaesthetic, removes the decay, shapes the cavity, places the material and checks your bite. You may feel pressure but should be able to say if you feel sharp discomfort. The numbness wears off after a few hours.

Aftercare

Avoid chewing on the numb area until feeling returns, so that you do not bite your cheek or tongue. Some sensitivity to hot, cold or biting can happen for a short time. Brush and clean between teeth as normal and attend review appointments. Contact the dentist if the bite feels high or pain does not settle.

When to seek it

See a dentist if you have toothache, a hole or dark spot in a tooth, a broken filling or food regularly trapped in one place. Swelling in the face or fever with a toothache needs prompt attention.

What affects the cost

Cost depends on the material, the size and position of the filling, the number of teeth and the practice. HealthNaro shows a price only where a clinic has supplied a figure with a source and date.

Read more in our guide: Dental fillings: materials, what happens and how to look after them.

This page is general information and not medical advice. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number.

Sources: NHS; American Dental Association (MouthHealthy); World Health Organization.