Types of dental fillings – how much costs, how long do dental fillings last, and aftercare

When it comes to restoring damaged or decayed teeth, dental fillings are one of the most common and effective solutions offered by dentists. Whether you’re dealing with a small cavity or replacing an old filling, understanding the different types of materials available, what they cost, how long they last, and how to care for them properly can help you make informed decisions about your oral health. In this article, we’ll explore the various options and what to expect before and after getting a dental filling.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are a type of dental restoration used to repair the decayed portion of the tooth and restore its function and structure. When a dentist fills a tooth, they remove the damaged area and place a dental filler material inside the cavity to protect the tooth and prevent further decay.

Types of Dental Fillings

When it comes to restoring a damaged or decayed tooth, several types of dental fillings are available, each with its own benefits, materials, and applications. The type of filling chosen often depends on the location of the tooth, the extent of the tooth decay, cost, and aesthetic preferences.

Direct Fillings. Common materials for direct fillings:

1. Amalgam – A traditional and durable amalgam filling material made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. Dental amalgam fillings have been widely used for fillings at the dentist, especially for back teeth due to their strength. Although not tooth-colored, silver amalgam fillings are known to last for many years and are cost-effective.
2. Resin Composite – A tooth-colored composite filling that blends with natural teeth, making it a preferred choice for front fillings or visible areas. Composite resin fillings are popular because they bond directly to the tooth, preserving more of the tooth structure. They are suitable for small to medium cavity filled restorations and are widely used in modern dentistry.
3. Glass Ionomer – This glass ionomer filling material releases fluoride and bonds chemically to the tooth. It is often used in fillings for tooth decay in children or non-load-bearing areas. While not as durable as composite or amalgam fillings, they provide beneficial protection for dental health.

Direct fillings are placed directly into the cavity during a single visit to the dentist. They are often used for small to moderate cavities and involve applying the filling material directly to the prepared tooth surface.

Indirect Fillings. The types of indirect fillings include:

1. Gold – Known for longevity and strength, gold fillings are biocompatible and extremely durable. Although more expensive, they rarely break and are a premium option for restoring damaged teeth in the back of the mouth.
2. Porcelain – These porcelain fillings are tooth-colored and blend well with natural teeth. They are stain-resistant and ideal for patients wanting a natural appearance, especially for front teeth or visible areas. Though more fragile than gold, they offer a strong, aesthetic solution for indirect fillings.

Indirect fillings are created outside the mouth, typically in a dental laboratory, and require two or more visits to complete. These are often used when not enough tooth structure remains to support a direct filling, but a full crown is not yet necessary. 

Advantages and disadvantages of each type of dental fillings

Each type of dental filling comes with its own set of benefits and potential drawbacks, depending on the material used, the location of the filling, and the individual needs of the patient.

Direct fillings. Common materials for direct fillings

Amalgam
Advantages:

1. Highly durable, especially for fillings cavities in molars.
2. Resistant to wear from chewing, making it ideal for long-term fill teeth solutions.
3. Less expensive compared to other fillers for teeth.
4. Quick to apply during a dental filling procedure, saving chair time.

Disadvantages:

1. Noticeable silver filling, less aesthetic than tooth-colored options
2. Contains mercury, raising concerns among some patients and dental professionals
3. May require removal of more tooth enamel, affecting less tooth structure preservation
4. Can expand/contract, potentially leading to tooth damage over time

Resin composite
Advantages:

1. Matches natural tooth color, making it ideal for tooth-colored fillings.
2. Bonds to the tooth, preserving less tooth structure.
3. Suitable for front teeth and small to medium filling of the teeth.
4. Easily repaired or touched up if minor damage occurs.

Disadvantages:

1. Not as durable for large fillings cavities in back teeth.
2. May stain over time with coffee, tea, or smoking.
3. Requires a dry field during placement, increasing time with the dentist for fillings.
4. Fillings tend to be more expensive than amalgam.

Glass ionomer
Advantages:

1. Releases fluoride, offering added dental care benefits and decay prevention.
2. Bonds chemically to the tooth, minimizing the need for drilling less tooth structure.
3. Often used for temporary fillings or non-chewing surfaces.
4. Ideal for children and filling inside areas near the gum line.

Disadvantages:

1. Lower strength compared to amalgam or composite, not suitable for load-bearing fillings cavities.
2. Less aesthetic than composite options, visible in certain areas.
3. Wears down faster, often needing a new filling sooner.
4. Limited use in adult dental services involving high bite pressure.

Indirect Fillings. Common Materials for Indirect Fillings

Gold

Advantages:

1. Extremely durable — such fillings can last 15 years or more.
2. Resistant to wear, ideal for patients with heavy chewing pressure.
3. Biocompatible, causing minimal irritation or allergic reaction.
4. Less prone to replacement compared to other types of tooth fillings.

Disadvantages:

1. Higher cost of dental treatment due to both material and dental lab processing.
2. Not aesthetically pleasing — noticeable in visible areas.
3. Requires multiple visits, as the filling is made in a dental lab, not in-office.
4. May cause tooth sensitivity in rare cases due to metal content.

Porcelain (Ceramic)

Advantages:

1. Highly aesthetic — closely matches natural tooth color, suitable for visible areas.
2. Stain-resistant and maintains appearance over time.
3. Gentle on gum tissue and promotes good oral hygiene.
4. Effective for restoring large dental cavities filling.
5. Often considered the best type for patients prioritizing appearance and compatibility.

Disadvantages:

1. More brittle than gold — can crack under excessive pressure.
2. Requires two or more appointments since the filling is made in a dental lab.
3. Higher fillings cost compared to direct options.
4. Improper bonding can lead to tooth sensitivity.

What Happens During a Dental Filling Procedure?

A dental filling procedure is a routine treatment in modern dentistry filling that helps restore the shape and function of a damaged tooth. Steps of the procedure:

1. Numb your tooth with local anesthesia.
2. Remove damaged or decayed tissue from your tooth using specialized instruments.
3. Fill the hole with dental filling material.
4. Use a dental curing light to harden the material (only for resin composite).
5. Polish and smooth any rough edges.
6. Check your bite to make sure it feels normal.

What are the benefits of dental fillings?

Dental fillings help restore both the function and appearance of damaged teeth. Whether you choose composite resin, ceramic filling, or amalgam filling teeth, the benefits go beyond aesthetics — protecting your oral health and preventing tooth loss.

Benefits of dental fillings:

1. Strengthen weakened teeth.
2. Preserve your natural tooth structure.
3. Restore chewing function.
4. Enhance the appearance of your teeth.
5. Last for a long time (10 to 20 years).

What are the possible complications of dental fillings?

While dental fillings are generally safe and effective, some people may experience complications after the procedure:

1. A throbbing toothache. This could mean that decay reached your tooth pulp. You may need root canal therapy.
2. Pain when biting down. This type of pain can occur if your new filling interferes with your bite. Your dentist can fix this by reshaping your filling.
3. Pain in response to heat or cold.

Risks of amalgam dental fillings

Amalgam dental fillings, commonly used in dentistry for decades, are among the common types of fillings available for treating a hole in the tooth. These teeth filling amalgam options are durable and cost-effective, but they contain mercury — a component that has raised health concerns for certain groups. While the American Dental Association states that these fillings are generally safe, there are specific populations for whom the risks may outweigh the benefits.

Risks of amalgam fill for teeth:

1. Pregnant women and their developing fetuses.
2. People who are planning to become pregnant within the year.
3. People who breastfeed and their newborns.
4. Children, especially those younger than 6 years of age.
5. People with pre-existing neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
6. People with impaired kidney function.
7. People with sensitivities or allergies to mercury or other components of dental amalgam.

How long does it take to recover after a dental filling procedure?

Recovery after a dental filling procedure is usually quick, with most patients feeling normal within a few hours. Some sensitivity may occur for a few days, depending on the type of filling used and the tooth treated.

How much do dental fillings cost at Dynasty Stomatology

At Dynasty Stomatology, dental fillings are affordable and tailored to your individual needs, ensuring high-quality care for every patient. Whether you need to fill a cavity or restore damaged teeth, our experienced dentist is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and protect your dental health.

Dental fillings – Conclusion

Dental fillings are used to fill in cavity damage and restore the tooth’s structure. Whether you need to fill the teeth due to decay or injury, different types of dental fillings offer effective solutions. Regular dental check-ups with a trusted dentist may help you choose the best filling for cavity treatment and maintain optimal oral health.ct your teeth, ensuring your oral health is preserved.

FAQ

• How do I know if I need a dental filling?

  You may need a dental filling if your tooth has decay or damage; a visit to a fill in dentist will help determine this.

• Are dental fillings painful?

  Fillings dentistry procedures are generally painless thanks to local anesthesia.

• Can dental fillings fall out?

  Yes, fillings can fall out due to wear or damage, especially if fillings are due for replacement.

• What to do if a filling fell out?

  Contact your fill in dentist promptly to repair or replace the filling and protect the tooth.

• Can I get teeth whitening with fillings?

  Pasta teeth whitening does not affect existing fillings, so consult your dentist for options.

• How Should I Care for My Teeth With Fillings?

  Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, as fillings contain materials that need care.

• Can I eat after a filling?

  You can eat after the numbness wears off, but avoid hard foods to protect the filling and tooth.

• When should I call my dentist?

  Call your dentist if you experience pain, sensitivity, or notice damage related to filling and the tooth.

• Does getting a filling hurt?

  The filling and the tooth are numbed during the procedure, so discomfort is minimal.

• Do fillings remove decay?

  Yes, the decay is removed before the filling is placed to restore tooth health.

• When is it too late to get a tooth filling?

  If the tooth must be extracted or needs dental implants, it may be too late for fillings also.

Author of the article

, Dentist-Endodontist

Yana Tereshchenko

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