A cavity doesn't heal on its own, but caught early, it's a simple repair. A filling removes the decayed part of the tooth and replaces it with a strong material.
Today, tooth-coloured composite fillings are the usual choice. Once polished, the filling blends into the tooth — and we take the time to check that your bite feels right before you leave.
When is a filling needed?
- A cavity found during an exam or on an X-ray
- A tooth that's sensitive to sweets, cold or chewing
- A chipped tooth or a small fracture
- An old filling that's worn, cracked or leaking
- A tooth worn down by grinding or erosion
What to expect
- Step 1
Numbing
The area is numbed locally. For a very shallow cavity, numbing is sometimes not even needed — we'll tell you.
- Step 2
Removing the decay
The dentist removes the decayed part and keeps only healthy tooth. You'll feel pressure and vibration, not pain.
- Step 3
Placing the composite
The composite is placed in layers, hardened with a light, then shaped to match the tooth.
- Step 4
Bite check and polish
We check your bite and polish the surface. You can eat once the numbness wears off.
What it changes
- The decay is stopped before it reaches the nerve
- A discreet repair that matches your tooth
- A tooth that no longer twinges with cold or sweets
- A simple treatment, usually done in a single visit
Frequently asked questions
It comes down to how much healthy tooth is left. When the cavity or fracture is small, a filling is enough. When a large part of the tooth is gone, or it has had a root canal, a crown protects it better against fracture. The dentist shows you the situation and explains the reasoning.
Not necessarily. An intact amalgam filling can stay in place. We recommend replacing it if it's worn or cracked, if decay is developing underneath, or if the look bothers you. We check them at every exam.
A composite filling can last many years with good care. How long depends on its size, where it sits in the mouth, your home care and whether you grind. Checking it at each exam lets us replace it before a problem develops.
Yes, sensitivity to cold or pressure for a few days to a few weeks is common, especially after a deep filling. If the pain gets worse, wakes you at night, or the tooth feels too high when you bite, call us: a simple adjustment often solves it.