Dental Fillings
Restore damaged teeth and protect against further decay with modern dental fillings
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are like small repairs for damaged teeth. When tooth decay creates a hole (cavity), we clean out the decay and fill the space with a special material to protect your tooth and restore its shape.
Think of it as patching a hole in a wall - we remove the damaged part and fill it with strong, durable material that matches your natural tooth structure.
Types of Dental Fillings
Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite)
These modern fillings are matched to your natural tooth colour and are virtually invisible. They're perfect for visible teeth and provide excellent aesthetics.
- • Matches your natural tooth colour
- • Bonds directly to tooth structure
- • Ideal for front teeth
- • No mercury content
Glass Ionomer Fillings
These gentle fillings slowly release fluoride to help protect your teeth. They have a shorter lifespan and are better suited to short-term fixes or where composite cannot be placed.
- • Releases fluoride for protection
- • Gentle on tooth structure
- • Good for children's teeth
- • Shorter lifespan than composite
Silver-Coloured Fillings (Amalgam)
These traditional fillings are being phased out in many dental practices in favour of more modern, aesthetic alternatives.
- • Very strong and durable
- • Cost-effective option
- • Less aesthetic appearance
- • Being phased out
What Happens During a Filling?
Step 1: Numbing the Area
Your dentist will apply a local anaesthetic to ensure you're completely comfortable throughout the procedure. You'll feel a small pinch, then the area will be numb.
Step 2: Removing Decay
Using special dental instruments, your dentist will carefully remove all the decayed tooth material, leaving only healthy tooth structure behind.
Step 3: Preparing the Tooth
The tooth is cleaned and prepared to receive the filling material. For composite fillings, isolation (rubber dam) is best practice to keep the area dry, followed by applying a special bonding agent.
Step 4: Placing the Filling
The filling material is carefully placed and shaped to match your natural tooth. For composite fillings, a special light hardens the material.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
Your dentist will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the filling feels natural and comfortable.
Recovery & Aftercare
After getting a filling, you can usually return to normal activities immediately. Here's what to expect and how to care for your new filling:
Immediate Aftercare
- • Wait for numbness to wear off before eating
- • Avoid very hot or cold foods initially
- • Don't chew on the filled tooth until fully set
- • Resume normal brushing and flossing
Long-term Care
- • Maintain excellent oral hygiene
- • Regular dental check-ups
- • Avoid excessive force when chewing
- • Consider a night guard if you grind teeth
How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost?
The cost of dental fillings varies depending on the material used and the size of the cavity. Here's a general guide to UK prices:
NHS Treatment
- • Band 2 treatment: £70.70
- • Covers all necessary fillings
- • Material choice may be limited
- • Available at NHS practices
Private Treatment
- • Composite fillings: £100-£600
- • Glass ionomer: £60-£350
- • Material choice available
Note: Prices vary by location and practice. Many practices offer payment plans to help spread the cost. Contact your local practice for accurate pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental fillings last?
Dental fillings typically last 5-15 years depending on the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and the location of the filling in your mouth. Composite fillings usually last 5-10 years, while glass ionomer fillings have a shorter lifespan and are better suited for short-term fixes.
Are dental fillings painful?
Modern dental fillings are performed with local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. Any discomfort afterwards is usually mild and temporary. Most patients report feeling only pressure, not pain.
Can I eat normally after getting a filling?
You can usually eat normally once the numbness wears off (about 1-2 hours). However, it's best to avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours to allow the filling to fully set.
What if my filling falls out?
If your filling falls out, contact your dentist immediately. Don't try to fix it yourself. Your dentist will need to clean the area and place a new filling. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean.
How can I prevent needing fillings?
Maintain excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing, limit sugary foods and drinks, visit your dentist regularly for check-ups, and consider fluoride treatments if recommended.
Find Fillings Near You
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Find a dentistWritten by: Dr Tristan Tinn, Founder and Clinical Director of HelpDental
Last updated: September 25, 2025