Fillings are used by dentists when they need to restore a tooth that has a cavity, although they can be used to help treat a cracked or broken tooth as well.
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You may not even know you have a cavity when it first develops, which is why it’s important to maintain regular dental visits. If you have not been to the dentist in a while, sometimes you may notice some things that could be signs of a cavity, such as one of your teeth becoming sensitive or causing you pain after eating sweets, hot food, or cold food. You may also be able to see a hole forming in your tooth as well. If you do experience sensitivity or pain in one of your teeth, it is important to visit your dentist to have them figure out the issue.
If a cavity has formed, the dentist will schedule you to receive a filling.
Your dentist will begin by numbing the area around the tooth so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
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Once the area around the tooth is numb, the dentist will remove the decay and clean the tooth.
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With the decay removed and the tooth clean, your dentist will fill the tooth with a filling. Generally, you have an option of a gold, silver, plastic, or porcelain filling. Your dentist can discuss with you prior about which option is best.
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When the dentist places the filling in the tooth, they will use a special light to heat up the filling so it hardens and is cemented on your tooth.
In most cases, the whole process does not take very long, less than 30 minutes, and does not require multiple visits to complete.
While dental fillings can eliminate pain and restore the strength of your tooth, it is best to avoid needing one in the first place. To prevent cavities it is important to brush and floss twice per day, have a healthy diet and schedule routine dental cleanings with your dentist twice per year.
General / Basics
Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite fillings, are made from a durable resin material that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. They are used to repair cavities, cracks, or other minor tooth damage.
Fillings restore teeth that have been damaged by decay or minor fractures. They prevent further damage, stop sensitivity, and restore normal chewing function.
After the decayed portion of the tooth is removed, the dentist layers and sculpts the composite resin directly into the tooth. A special curing light hardens the material, and the filling is polished to look and feel like natural enamel.
Candidacy
Anyone with a small to medium cavity, chipped tooth, or old silver filling they’d like replaced may benefit from a tooth-colored filling.
No. Both children and adults can safely receive composite fillings.
Patients with very large cavities or severely weakened teeth may need a crown or inlay/onlay instead, since fillings alone may not provide enough support.
Procedure / Experience
The dentist numbs the tooth, removes the decayed or damaged area, and bonds composite resin into the cavity in layers. The filling is shaped and polished for a natural look.
Most fillings can be completed in 30–60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain. Some minor sensitivity afterward is normal but usually temporary.
Yes, in most cases the tooth is numbed to ensure your comfort, though very small fillings may sometimes be done without anesthesia.
Results
Composite fillings typically last 7–10 years, though with excellent care they may last longer.
Yes. The resin material is shade-matched to your tooth so it blends in seamlessly, unlike silver amalgam fillings.
In most cases, no. Tooth-colored fillings are virtually invisible when properly placed.
Recovery / Aftercare
You can usually eat and return to normal activities right after the procedure, once the anesthesia wears off.
Avoid chewing until numbness fades to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Otherwise, you can eat and drink normally.
Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups will help fillings last longer. Good oral hygiene also helps prevent new cavities from forming around the filling.
Safety / Risks
Yes. Composite fillings are safe, metal-free, and bond directly to the tooth, making them a conservative treatment option.
Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure. Very rarely, a filling may chip or wear down and require repair.
Dentists carefully clean and bond the filling to the tooth and check your bite alignment to ensure comfort and long-term success.
Cost & Insurance
The cost depends on the size and location of the cavity but typically ranges from $150–$450 per tooth.
Yes. Most dental insurance plans cover fillings as a restorative treatment. Coverage may vary depending on whether composite or amalgam is used.
Many dental practices offer financing options or payment plans to make treatment more affordable.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Alternatives include silver amalgam fillings, inlays/onlays, or crowns for larger cavities.
Composite fillings are more natural-looking, bond directly to the tooth, and require less drilling than amalgam. However, amalgam may be slightly more durable in very large back teeth cavities.
Fillings restore smaller areas of damage, while crowns cover and protect a tooth that has lost significant structure.
Lifestyle Impact
Composite fillings are resistant to staining and chipping but may wear slightly over many years. Avoiding habits like chewing ice or biting pens helps preserve them.
Can I eat and drink normally with a filling?
Yes. Once the filling has set and the numbness wears off, you can eat your favorite foods.
No. Normal toothpaste and floss are fine, though using a fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen the tooth around the filling.