Rodericks Dental Partners Treatments Fillings

General Treatment

Tooth fillings

Repair a damaged or decayed tooth with a natural-looking filling that restores strength and protects your smile.

Reviewed by: Puja Klaire, Bchd Pg Cert Medical Education, Lead Clinical Advisor at Rodericks Dental Partners. Review date: 5th August 2026

What are tooth fillings?

Tooth fillings are a dental treatment used to repair chips, cracks and minor cavities in your teeth. Your dentist will remove any areas of decay or damage, before filling the space with a durable material that restores the shape and function of your tooth.[1] Private treatment offers greater choice over how your filling will look, by using materials that blend more naturally with your teeth.

Benefits of dental fillings

Dental fillings offer a range of benefits beyond simply filling a cavity.[1]

Stop decay

Fillings seal off sites of decay to stop bacteria from getting in, helping the healing process.

Relieve pain

Tooth damage and worn enamel can cause toothache and sensitivity. Fillings repair the damage and restore tooth structure, helping you eat more comfortably.

Prevent damage

Dental fillings help stop teeth from fracturing or cracking further, potentially avoiding the need for more complex treatment.

Restore appearance

Certain filling types, particularly ceramics, can partially rebuild teeth and blend naturally with your smile

How do tooth filling treatments work?

Tooth fillings work by removing decayed or damaged material and replacing it with a filling, usually made of ceramic, plastic or metal. This seals the tooth to prevent further damage, protect exposed nerves, and relieve pain.[1]

You’ll likely be given a local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel anything during treatment, which typically takes between 30 minutes and one hour per tooth.

Dental filling treatment process [1]

Numbing

Your dentist will give you a local anaesthetic which will take effect after a few minutes.

Material removal and cleaning

Any decayed or damaged material will be removed from your tooth and the remaining surface will be cleaned.

Filling placement

The filling material will be layered into place, as your dentist shapes it to match the contours of your natural tooth. It’s then hardened under a special light.

Final adjustments

Your filling will be smoothed and polished, so there are no sharp or misshapen edges, your bite checked to make sure everything feels comfortable. A typical filling procedure will last between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the location of the tooth and the nature of the cavity to be treated.

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Are tooth fillings right for me?

Your dentist may recommend a filling if you’re experiencing:

Persistent pain or sensitivity in your teeth
Minor damage, such as cracks or chips
Minor tooth decay or infections
Issues with previous fillings, bonding or implants

Problems with your bite, such as teeth that consistently snag or chip

Tooth filling treatment options[1]

There are a number of different options for tooth fillings.

Composite Fillings

White fillings made from plastic and glass resin, matched to the colour of your teeth. One of the most popular filling options.

Amalgam Fillings

Made from a durable mix of metals including silver and tin. Their strength makes them well suited to back teeth, which take the most pressure from chewing.

Glass ionomer fillings

Made from acrylic and glass resin, glass ionomer fillings are slightly less durable than other dental filling types, but release fluoride to help prevent future decay.

Aftercare for dental fillings

A dental filling is a common, straightforward procedure, but there are a few things to keep in mind once you’re home.

Your filling will be hardened at your appointment, but it’s best to wait a few hours before chewing. Hold off on solid foods until the anaesthetic has fully worn off too.[1]

Sugary foods and acidic drinks can trigger sensitivity and encourage bacteria to form around the filling. Try to limit these, especially in the days after treatment.[3]

Keep brushing and flossing daily, but be gentle, particularly around a new filling. A manual toothbrush for the first few days can help avoid sensitivity or irritation.

How much do tooth fillings cost?

The cost of a tooth filling varies, depending on a few factors, such as the location of the tooth and the material used - Your dentist will talk you through the options.

FAQs

No. While composite bonding and composite fillings use the same material, usually a tooth-coloured resin or ceramic, they serve different purposes. Fillings are used to restore teeth by treating cavities and damage, while bonding is mainly cosmetic, used for reshaping and closing gaps.

Fillings can last many years, depending on the material used, the location of the tooth and your general oral hygiene.

Yes. The material used for composite bonding, usually tooth-coloured resin or ceramic, is similar to what’s used in fillings, so it can sit seamlessly over the top. Bonding can generally be layered over most filling types, regardless of material.

Yes. Emergency dentists can provide fillings, whether as a permanent fix or a temporary measure to relieve pain until you can access further treatment. Their priority is to stop further damage and make sure you’re comfortable – and fillings are one of the most common ways to do that.

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