If you’ve ever had a cavity, chances are you’ve also had a dental filling. Despite being one of the most common dental procedures, many people aren’t quite sure what to expect during a dental filling procedure. This blog aims to walk you through the entire process, from diagnosis to recovery. We’ll also explain the different types of fillings, what materials are used, and how this straightforward procedure helps maintain good oral health.

Why Do We Need Dental Fillings in the First Place?

To understand the dental filling procedure, it’s helpful to first grasp why fillings are needed at all. Our teeth can develop small holes known as tooth cavities due to tooth decay. This decay happens when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth and produces acids that erode the enamel.

If left untreated, these cavities can grow larger, cause pain, and even lead to more serious dental issues. That’s where dental fillings come in. A dental filling removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the gap with a suitable filling material, helping to restore damaged teeth and prevent further decay.

How Do You Know If You Need a Filling?

Your dentist can usually detect cavities through a visual examination or with the help of X-rays. Some signs you might need a filling include:

Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
Sharp pain when biting or chewing
A visible hole or dark spot on a tooth
Floss that tears in a specific area
Pain or discomfort around a damaged tooth

If your dentist recommends a dental filling procedure, it’s best to act sooner rather than later to avoid complications.

A Step-by-Step Look at the Dental Filling Procedure

The filling process is usually simple and can often be completed in just one appointment. Here’s what usually happens:

1. Examination and X-Rays

Your dentist will start by checking your teeth and may take X-rays to assess the severity of the decay and pinpoint the exact location of the cavity.

2. Numbing the Area

To ensure you’re comfortable, the dentist applies a local anaesthetic agent to numb the tooth and the surrounding mouth area. This prevents pain during the filling process.

3. Removing the Decay

Once the area is fully numb, the dentist gently eliminates the decayed section of the tooth. The aim is to leave behind only healthy tooth structures.

4. Cleaning the Cavity

After the decay is removed, the dentist thoroughly cleans the area to remove bacteria and debris. This step helps lower the risk of infection.

5. Selecting the Filling Material

There are various filling materials available, each suited to different needs. The choice of filling depends on several factors, including where the cavity is located, your budget, cosmetic preferences, and your dentist’s advice.

6. Placing the Filling

With the material selected, the dentist proceeds with filling placement. For composite fillings, a special light is often used to harden each layer. With amalgam fillings, the material is placed into the cavity and then shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth.

7. Making Necessary Adjustments

After the filling has been set, the dentist shapes and polishes it to ensure your bite feels natural and your chewing isn’t affected. They’ll also check for any rough edges and make necessary adjustments.

Common Types of Filling Materials Explained

Today’s dental care provides a variety of filling materials, each offering unique advantages and best suited for specific situations.

Composite Resin Fillings

Tooth-coloured and blends well with natural teeth
Ideal for front teeth or visible areas
Bonds directly to the tooth structure
May wear out faster on chewing surfaces

Amalgam Fillings

Made from a mixture of other metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper
Durable and long-lasting
This is more noticeable due to the silver colour
Commonly used in back teeth, where the chewing force is higher

Porcelain Fillings (Inlays and Onlays)

Stain-resistant and natural-looking
Custom-made in a dental lab
More expensive but highly durable
Ideal for restoring large cavities

Gold Fillings

Very durable and long-lasting (can last over 20 years)
Biocompatible and well-tolerated
It is not tooth-coloured, so it is more noticeable
Typically more expensive

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Releases fluoride, which shields the tooth from further decay
It is not as durable or aesthetic as composite
Often used for temporary fillings or in children

What About Temporary Fillings?

A temporary filling might be used in certain situations:

When multiple appointments are required
After a root canal or emergency dental procedure
When waiting for a permanent solution

Temporary fillings are not meant to last long and should be replaced by a permanent tooth filling within weeks.

Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Filling?

Thanks to local anaesthesia, most people find the dental filling procedure comfortable. You might feel pressure or vibration during the filling process.

It’s common to feel some tooth sensitivity for a few days after the filling, particularly when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. This usually settles down on its own. If sensitivity or pain persists, contact your dentist for a follow-up.

What Can You Expect After the Procedure?

Once your filling is done, your mouth may feel numb for a few hours. Wait until the numbness fades before eating to avoid unintentionally biting your tongue or cheek. Here’s what else to keep in mind:

Avoid hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours
Practise good dental hygiene habits by brushing and flossing regularly
Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth if needed
Make sure to attend routine dental check-ups so your dentist can check your fillings and keep them in optimal condition.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

How long a tooth filling lasts depends on the type of material used, your oral hygiene routine, and the location of the filling in your mouth. On average:

Amalgam fillings: 10 to 15 years
Composite fillings: 5 to 7 years
Porcelain fillings: 10 to 15 years
Gold fillings: 15 to 20 years

Routine dental check-ups will help ensure your fillings remain intact and functional.

Are There Risks with Dental Fillings?

Generally, dental fillings are very safe. However, potential issues can include:

Allergic reaction to the filling material
Filling coming loose or falling out
Sensitivity to pressure, temperature, or sweet foods
Secondary tooth decay if the filling is damaged

Prompt care and good dental hygiene can prevent most complications.

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy After a Filling

Your natural teeth and fillings will last longer if you maintain good habits:

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Floss once a day to eliminate food debris and plaque
Try to limit sugary or acidic foods and beverages.
Don’t use your teeth to open packages or bite hard items
Keep up with your regular dental visits for high-quality dental care

Practising good oral health habits ensures your fillings, natural teeth, and overall dental hygiene stay in top shape.

Final Thoughts: A Simple Solution for a Common Problem

The dental filling procedure is a quick and reliable way to treat tooth cavities and restore damaged teeth. Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, patients now have access to a range of filling materials that offer durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal.

Whether it’s your first filling or a replacement, knowing what to expect makes the entire experience more comfortable and stress-free. If you’re concerned about a tooth cavity, don’t wait. Book an appointment with Beyond 32 Dental at (02) 9158 6334 and take that important step toward maintaining a healthy smile.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dental fillings. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17002-dental-fillings
Healthline. (n.d.). Temporary filling: When to use one, how long they last, and more. https://www.healthline.com/health/temporary-filling
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Dental amalgam fillings. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-amalgam-fillings

Understanding the Dental Filling Procedure: What to Expect and How It Helps Restore Your Smile