Tooth Filling
Most fillings today are tooth-colored composite, done in a single visit. A filling repairs a tooth once decay or minor structural damage has removed part of the healthy tooth structure, catching it early keeps the fix simple.
Benefits
- Composite resin fillings bond directly to the tooth, match natural tooth color, and require removing less healthy tooth structure than older silver (amalgam) fillings
- Chipped or slightly cracked front teeth can often be rebuilt with bonding, the same composite material, rather than a crown
- A single-tooth filling appointment typically takes about 20–40 minutes
- Old, worn, or visible silver fillings can be replaced with composite
What the procedure involves
- 1
Numbing the area around the affected tooth.
- 2
Removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth.
- 3
Shaping the composite material into the cavity or chipped area in layers, hardening each layer with a curing light.
- 4
Shaping and polishing the finished filling to match your bite.
Recovery & aftercare
Mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a day or two is normal and usually settles on its own. You can eat normally once the numbness wears off, though it's worth being gentle on that side for the first day if the filling was large. Ongoing sensitivity beyond a week, or pain when biting down, is worth a follow-up call.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting a filling hurt?
The area is numbed beforehand, so the procedure itself is generally not painful; some pressure is normal. Mild sensitivity afterward is common and temporary.
How long does a composite filling last?
With good oral hygiene, composite fillings commonly last several years to a decade or more, though this varies by location in the mouth and bite forces involved.
Do I need a filling if a cavity doesn't hurt yet?
Yes, many cavities aren't painful until they've progressed further. Catching one early on an X-ray or exam usually means a smaller, simpler filling.
Is a chipped tooth always a dental emergency?
Not necessarily. A minor chip with no pain can usually be scheduled as a routine visit; a chip with sharp pain, a visible nerve, or a large missing piece should be seen sooner.
Want the full picture? ReadTooth Filling Near Me: Composite and Cavity Treatment in Gurgaonon the N Square Dental Care blog.