What Is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a restorative treatment that repairs a tooth damaged by decay (cavity), crack, or fracture. The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is removed and the space is filled with a restorative material — restoring the tooth's shape, function, and integrity.

At Smile Hub Clinics, we use tooth-coloured composite resin as our primary filling material. Composite fillings blend seamlessly with the natural tooth colour — nobody will know you have a filling. They require less tooth removal than older amalgam fillings and bond directly to the tooth structure, strengthening the remaining tooth.

Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures — and one of the most important. Untreated cavities don't resolve on their own. They grow larger over time, eventually reaching the nerve and requiring a root canal treatment or extraction. A small filling today prevents a much larger problem tomorrow.

Types of Fillings We Offer

Recommended

Composite (Tooth-Coloured)

Natural-looking resin that matches your tooth shade exactly. Bonds to tooth structure, requires minimal removal. Our standard material for all visible teeth and most posterior restorations.

Ceramic

Ceramic Inlay/Onlay

Laboratory-fabricated ceramic restoration for larger cavities. More durable than direct composite for very large restorations. Requires two appointments but delivers exceptional strength and aesthetics.

Legacy

Amalgam Replacement

Old metal (amalgam) fillings can be safely replaced with tooth-coloured composite. We remove old amalgam carefully and restore the tooth to a natural appearance. Popular with patients wanting metal-free mouths.

Preventive

Fissure Sealants

A thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth — sealing the deep grooves where decay starts. Particularly recommended for children and teenagers.

Signs You Need a Filling

Toothache or spontaneous pain
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
Sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks
Visible dark spot or hole in tooth
Food getting stuck between teeth
Rough or sharp edge on a tooth
Old filling feels loose or broken
Floss keeps shredding in same spot

⚠️ Don't Wait — Cavities Only Get Bigger

A cavity caught early can be treated with a simple filling in one appointment. Left untreated, the decay reaches the nerve — requiring root canal treatment. Left even longer, the tooth may be unsavable and need extraction. The cost and complexity increases at every stage. The simplest and cheapest treatment is always the earliest one.

The Filling Procedure — What to Expect

1

Examination & X-Ray

The tooth is examined clinically and an X-ray confirms the extent of decay. We check adjacent teeth and gum health. You are told exactly what is needed before any treatment begins.

2

Local Anaesthesia

The area is numbed with local anaesthetic. You will feel pressure but no pain. We take time to ensure the anaesthetic is fully effective before starting — there is no rush.

3

Decay Removal

All decayed and damaged tooth structure is removed using a dental drill and hand instruments. The cavity is cleaned and prepared to receive the filling material. No healthy tooth structure is removed unnecessarily.

4

Bonding & Filling Placement

A bonding agent is applied to help the composite adhere to the tooth. The composite resin is placed in layers, each cured with a blue light. The filling is built up to the correct shape and contour.

5

Bite Check & Polish

The bite is checked carefully — any high spots are adjusted so the filling doesn't interfere with your normal bite. The filling is polished to a smooth finish that feels natural in the mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a filling take?
A straightforward composite filling typically takes 30–45 minutes. Multiple fillings in the same appointment can take longer. The time depends on the size and location of the cavity and the number of surfaces involved. We never rush a filling — precision in placement and bite adjustment is important for its longevity.
Will the filling be painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia — you should feel no pain during treatment. After the anaesthesia wears off, the tooth may feel sensitive for a few days, especially to hot, cold, or biting pressure. This is normal and settles on its own. If sensitivity persists beyond two weeks, contact us for a check.
How long do fillings last?
Composite fillings typically last 5–10 years with proper care, though many last longer. Lifespan depends on the size of the filling, the tooth's location (front vs back), your diet, oral hygiene, and whether you grind your teeth. Larger fillings in heavily loaded back teeth wear faster. Regular check-ups allow early detection of any deterioration before it becomes a problem.
Can old metal fillings be replaced?
Yes — old amalgam fillings can be safely replaced with tooth-coloured composite. We take precautions during removal to minimise mercury vapour exposure. The result is a natural-looking restoration that is indistinguishable from natural tooth. Many patients choose to replace all their old metal fillings over time for aesthetic and health reasons.
What if my cavity is very deep?
Deep cavities close to the nerve are assessed carefully. If the nerve is not yet infected, a protective liner is placed and the tooth is filled — sometimes with a watch-and-wait approach. If the cavity has reached the nerve and caused infection or significant symptoms, root canal treatment is needed before filling. Dr. Athar Parvez, our FCPS endodontist, handles all complex deep cavity cases requiring root canal treatment.
How can I prevent cavities?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and attend regular dental check-ups every 6 months. Fissure sealants on back teeth significantly reduce cavity risk in children. Fluoride treatments strengthen enamel. Early detection at check-ups means any new cavities are caught and treated while they are still small — before symptoms develop.