A filling repairs tooth structure lost through decay or fracture and supports the tooth's shape and function. The material depends on tooth position, remaining structure, chewing load and aesthetic needs.
This content is general information, not a personal diagnosis or treatment recommendation. A dental examination is needed for individual symptoms.
Facial swelling, fever, severe pain that wakes you, or difficulty swallowing or breathing should not be treated as a routine filling problem and requires prompt professional help.
Which materials are used?
Options include tooth-coloured composite, glass ionomer, amalgam and laboratory-made inlays or onlays. No single material is suitable for every tooth and cavity.
How is a filling placed?
After examination and imaging when needed, local anaesthetic may be used. Damaged tissue is removed, the tooth is prepared for the selected material, the filling is placed and the bite is checked.
What can happen afterwards?
Short-term sensitivity can occur. Avoid biting the cheek or tongue until numbness resolves. Contact your dentist if the filling feels high, biting pain persists, spontaneous pain develops or the restoration feels fractured.
Can every cavity be treated with a filling?
No. If damage reaches the pulp, root canal treatment may be needed. A tooth with extensive tissue loss may need a larger restoration, while a tooth that cannot be restored may require extraction.