Your Notifications
All done, no notifications

Tooth Fillings: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Dental fillings repair cavities. A dentist removes the infected area of the tooth and adds a filling with the help of a composite resin, amalgams, porcelain, or glass ionomers to fill the hole in the tooth, restore the shape of the tooth, provide strength to the tooth and maintain normal function while also preventing bacteria from invading deeper into the tooth structure.

Some signs indicate you may need your filling adjusted or replaced. These include: sensitivity lasting longer than 2 weeks, sharp pain when biting down, loose, cracked, or uneven fillings, constant swelling or gum irritation, and food frequently getting stuck in the filled area.

Dentists use several methods to diagnose cavities, including:

  • A physical inspection using dental instruments to look for soft spots, colour changes or tooth sensitivity.
  • X-ray images are taken to find any hidden decay between teeth or below an old filling and/or near the root of the tooth.
  • Lasers or transillumination can identify early decay that can't be seen with the naked eye.

As a result of these tests, dentists have been able to assess not only where the cavity is located on a tooth, but also how deep it extends into the tooth, to plan the best way to fill it.

Most patients recover from the procedure almost immediately and may experience sensitivity to heat, cold, and chewing for a few days.

  • Composite fillings may feel slightly high and require an adjustment.
  • Patients should refrain from consuming very hard, sticky, or extremely hot foods for the 24 hours following their procedure.
  • Proper brushing, flossing, and regular check-up visits will increase the lifespan of the filling and protect against future decay.

Choose Destination for Your Treatment

Please Enquire

Required | alphabets and spaces
Required | A valid, working email address
Required | A valid contact

NOTE: With this information, I as a user, give MediGence the permission to access my healthcare related data and information to help me get the expert opinion. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.

Consult Online with World’s Best Tooth Fillings

View All Doctors
View All Doctors

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it painful getting a filling?

Usually, a filling can be performed under anaesthesia, so there is no pain during the filling process, only mild pressure.

How long will a filling last me?

Composite fillings will last approximately 5-10 years; however, depending on how you care for your teeth, amalgam & ceramic fillings may last longer.

When can I eat after a filling?

You can resume eating as soon as the numbness goes away, but do not eat anything complicated the first day after the filling.

Will the filling match my other teeth?

Yes, composite fillings are coloured and blend well into your other natural tooth colours.

How long does it take to put in a filling?

Most fillings take 20-45 minutes, but this will depend on the size and location of your cavity.

Will my filling come out?

Yes, fillings can come out over time due to wear and tear, biting into harder foods, clenching or grinding your teeth, and just general age. They are easy to replace.

What if my cavity is too large for a filling?

If the cavity is too large for a filling, your dentist may recommend getting either an onlay, an inlay or a crown depending on the structure and overall stability of the tooth.

Explore Top Hospitals Worldwide for Tooth Fillings

Author

Alvina Hasan

M.Pharm

1 Year of Experience

Alvina Hasan is a dedicated medical researcher and scientific writer with a strong foundation in the pharmaceutical sciences. She holds a B.Pharm from Jamia Hamdard University and an M.Pharm in Quality Assurance from DIPSAR University. With deep medical expertise and a strong interest in healthcare communication, she focuses on transforming complex clinical and scientific information into clear, engaging, and easy-to-understand narratives. She develops insightful healthcare articles and research-driven pieces designed to support both medical professionals and patients, helping bridge the gap between advanced medical knowledge and practical understanding. . View More