Dental fillings: the materials, the process, and how long they last.
A filling is the most common dental treatment there is — the everyday repair that stops a small cavity becoming a big problem. The procedure is quick and routine, but there are real choices in material, and a filling caught early is far simpler than one left until the tooth needs a crown or root canal. Here is an honest, jargon-free guide.
What a filling does
A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay (or a chip or wear) by removing the affected part and replacing it with a material that restores the tooth's shape and function. It seals the area so bacteria can't get back in. The key thing fillings do is keep treatment small: a cavity caught and filled early stays a filling, whereas one left to spread can reach the nerve and need a root canal and crown instead.
When a tooth needs a filling
A filling is needed once decay has formed an actual cavity in the tooth — not at the very earliest "white spot" stage, which can sometimes be remineralised with fluoride, but once there's a hole. Fillings also repair small chips, worn areas, and replace old fillings that have cracked or started leaking at the edges. A dentist confirms it from examination and X-rays. A tooth that is simply being monitored doesn't need filling yet — honest dentistry treats cavities, not shadows.
Filling materials
The usual choice today is composite (tooth-coloured resin) — bonded to the tooth, natural-looking, and conservative, suitable for front and back teeth. Amalgam (silver) fillings are very durable and cheap but dark and less used now for cosmetic reasons. Glass ionomer releases fluoride and is often used for children or non-biting surfaces. For larger cavities where a standard filling would be weak, an inlay or onlay (a lab-made restoration) is stronger — the step between a filling and a crown.
How a filling is done
Under local anaesthetic (for all but the most superficial), the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth, cleans the cavity, and places the filling. A composite filling is built up in layers and hardened with a light, then shaped and polished so it bites correctly. The whole thing usually takes one short visit. Some sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal; the bite is checked so the filling isn't sitting high.
How long fillings last
Composite fillings typically last around 5–10 years and amalgam often longer, though it depends on the size of the filling, where it is, your bite and your hygiene. Fillings don't last forever — they eventually wear or their edges leak, letting decay back in, which is why check-ups review existing fillings. Good cleaning, limiting sugary snacking, and a night guard if you grind all extend a filling's life.
Frequently asked questions
When does a tooth need a filling?
Once decay has formed an actual cavity (a hole) in the tooth. The very earliest white-spot stage can sometimes be reversed with fluoride, but a genuine cavity needs cleaning out and filling before it spreads toward the nerve. Fillings also repair small chips and replace old, leaking fillings.
What is the best filling material?
For most situations, composite (tooth-coloured resin) is the usual choice — natural-looking, bonded and conservative. Amalgam is very durable but dark. For large cavities, an inlay or onlay is stronger than a standard filling. The best choice depends on the cavity's size and position, which we match to the tooth.
How long do fillings last?
Composite fillings typically last around 5–10 years and amalgam often longer, depending on size, position, your bite and hygiene. They don't last forever — edges eventually wear or leak — so check-ups review existing fillings. Good cleaning and a night guard if you grind help them last.
Does getting a filling hurt?
It's done under local anaesthetic for all but the most superficial cavities, so it isn't painful at the time. Some sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal. A small filling caught early is quicker and more comfortable than waiting until the tooth needs a root canal.
Not a substitute for professional advice. This article is general patient information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Always consult a qualified dentist about your own situation.
References & sources
Illustrations © Tantalya Dental Clinic — original diagrams created for this article. Educational content references public-domain health information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Not affiliated with or endorsed by any third party.
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