Fillings Teeth

Fillings are the standard repair for a tooth that has been damaged by decay or a small fracture, and this page is about that general repair, not about a filling that has been lost and not about preventive sealants. A filling restores the shape and function of the tooth by cleaning out the damaged area and filling it with a suitable material, such as composite resin or amalgam. The choice of material depends on the position of the tooth, the size of the damage, and the bite.

What Fillings Teeth involves

A dentist will examine the tooth, remove decayed or damaged material, clean the area, and place the filling in layers or as a single placement, then shape and polish it so it meets the opposite teeth comfortably. Fillings protect the tooth from further decay in that area, but they need regular checks, because they can wear, chip, or develop decay around their edges over time.

Signs of Fillings Teeth

• A tooth with decay, a cavity, or a small fracture
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods in one tooth
• A rough spot or small hole in a tooth
• Pain when biting on one tooth

What to do right away for Fillings Teeth

• Avoid biting very hard foods on the repaired tooth until it has been checked
• Keep the tooth clean with gentle brushing and flossing
• Note whether the filling feels high, rough, or sensitive
• Call for help if pain persists, the filling feels loose, or a piece breaks off

How a dentist may help with Fillings Teeth

• Examine the tooth and check for decay or damage
• Remove damaged material and clean the area
• Place, shape, and polish the filling
• Check the bite so the tooth meets comfortably

When to seek urgent care for Fillings Teeth

Seek urgent care if pain is severe, swelling develops, or a large part of the tooth breaks.

General information on this page is not medical advice. A dentist who examines you can give advice for your situation.

Related emergency dental help

• Lost Dental Filling
• Fillings and Sealants
• Crowns And Bridges

Emergency Dental Services — back to the full list. Contact Emergency Dentist for general enquiries, or call for urgent help.

Frequently asked questions about Fillings Teeth

What is a filling made of?

Common materials include tooth-coloured composite resin and amalgam. A dentist will discuss which fits your tooth and bite.

How is a filling different from a crown?

A filling repairs damage inside a tooth. A crown covers the whole tooth and is used when damage is too large for a filling.

How long does a filling last?

It varies with the material, the size of the repair, and biting forces. Regular checks catch wear or decay around the edges early.