Having a filling in teeth is one of the most common dental treatments in the UK. If you have early tooth decay or a tooth damaged by wear or a crack, a dental filling can fix cavities, improve use, and protect long-term oral health.
Understanding the procedure, recovery, and aftercare can help you feel more confident and prepared when visiting your dentist, reduce anxiety about pain or discomfort, and support a confident smile after treatment.
Understanding dental fillings
What a filling is and why it’s needed
A tooth filling is a treatment used to repair teeth damaged by decay, cracks, or minor fractures. Dental fillings stop decay by sealing the cavity and replacing the portion of the bad tooth with strong filling materials.
The dentist removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and replaces it with a filling that restores the shape, strength, and function of the natural tooth. This helps protect the remaining natural tooth structure and allows you to chew food comfortably again. Fillings are used to repair cavities in both front teeth and back teeth and can be adapted for cosmetic or functional needs.
Common reasons fillings are recommended
Fillings are recommended for several reasons, most commonly due to tooth cavities caused by plaque and sugar. Other reasons include cracked teeth, worn enamel, or teeth damaged by grinding. In children, fillings may be placed in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and problems with adult teeth development.
Without treatment, a cavity can worsen and may require more complex procedures such as a root canal or crowns. In severe cases, even tooth loss can occur. Dental fillings are, therefore, a preventative and restorative treatment that helps maintain overall oral health.
Types of dental fillings available in the UK
Amalgam, composite, glass ionomer, and gold
There are several types of dental fillings used in the UK. Amalgam fillings, sometimes called silver fillings, are made from dental amalgam, which is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, copper, and other metals. They are long-lasting and commonly used for back teeth, where chewing forces are higher.
Composite fillings, also known as white fillings or tooth coloured fillings, are made from composite resin and resin-based materials. They are bonded directly to the tooth and closely match the colour of the natural tooth, making them popular for front teeth and visible areas. Composite restorations are also used to repair teeth damaged by decay or minor fractures.
Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride, which helps stop decay and protect against further decay. They are often used in children or for baby teeth, as well as for fillings near the gum line. Gold inlays and porcelain fillings are less common but are very durable and cosmetic options for some patients.
How dentists choose the right material
The type of filling chosen depends on the size and location of the cavity, whether the tooth is badly broken, cosmetic preferences, and patients’ budgets. Back teeth often require strong and long-lasting materials such as amalgam or gold inlays, while tooth-coloured composite fillings are more likely to be recommended for more visible front teeth.
The dentist and dental team will consider how much natural tooth structure remains and whether the filling needs to be bonded for extra strength. In some cases, other metals or porcelain may be recommended if a tooth is heavily damaged or cracked.
Preparing for your filling appointment
Dental examination and X-rays
Before placing a new filling, the dentist will examine your mouth and teeth and may take X-rays to assess the extent of decay. This helps determine whether a simple cavity filling is suitable or if more complex treatment is required. X-rays can reveal decay hidden between teeth or beneath existing fillings.
Regular dental check-ups are essential for identifying tooth decay early. Early treatment allows fillings to be placed in a single appointment and reduces the risk of pain, infection, or tooth loss.
Anaesthesia options and pain control
Most fillings are carried out under local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This ensures the procedure is comfortable and pain-free. The dentist will numb the area so you do not feel discomfort while the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth.
Some patients worry about pain, but modern anaesthetic techniques make fillings a straightforward and common treatment. You may feel pressure or vibration, but not pain. If you are nervous, discuss this with your dentist so they can support you throughout the procedure.
Step-by-step filling procedure
Removing decay and preparing the tooth
Once the area is numb, the dentist removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth using specialised instruments. This step is crucial to stop decay and prevent further damage. The dentist removes all infected tissue while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
After the decay is removed, the cavity is cleaned to remove bacteria and debris. This prepares the tooth for the filling and reduces the risk of infection or further decay beneath the filling.
Placing, shaping, and curing the filling
The chosen filling material is then placed into the cavity. Composite fillings are applied in layers and cured with a special light to harden the resin. Amalgam fillings are packed into the cavity and shaped to fit the tooth.
The dentist carefully shapes the filling to match the natural shape of the tooth, ensuring your bite feels comfortable. Once polished, the filling should blend in well, especially with tooth coloured composite fillings, helping maintain a confident smile.
Immediately after the procedure
Numbness, sensitivity, and bite adjustment
After the procedure, your mouth may feel numb for a few hours due to the local anaesthetic. It is important to avoid biting your cheek or tongue while numb. Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal, particularly with a new filling.
If your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable once the numbness wears off, contact your dentist. Minor adjustments can be made easily to ensure comfort and proper function.
Eating and drinking guidance on the day
Eating should be avoided until the numbness has worn off to prevent accidental injury. Soft food is recommended at first, especially if you experience sensitivity. With amalgam fillings, your dentist may advise waiting a few hours before eating on that side of the mouth.
Composite fillings typically allow eating soon after treatment, but it is still wise to be cautious on the day of the procedure.
Recovery over the following days
Managing discomfort and sensitivity
Mild discomfort or sensitivity is common for a few days after getting a filling. This usually settles on its own as the tooth adapts. Over-the-counter pain relief can help if needed, but severe or persistent pain should be reported to your dentist.
Sensitivity may occur if the filling is deep or close to the nerve. This does not usually mean something is wrong, but monitoring symptoms is important.
When to contact your dentist
Contact your dentist if pain worsens, if the filling feels cracked or loose, or if you experience signs of infection, such as swelling or fever. In rare cases, deep decay can lead to nerve inflammation, which may require further treatment such as a root canal.
Early follow-up helps prevent complications and protects your long-term oral health.
Long-term aftercare and maintenance
Oral hygiene routines to protect the filling
Proper care is essential to ensure fillings last as long as possible. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and maintain a balanced diet to reduce sugar intake. Good oral hygiene helps prevent further decay around the filling and protects the natural tooth.
Fillings do not decay, but the tooth around them can. Maintaining good oral health helps stop decay and reduces the risk of needing replacement fillings.
Expected lifespan of fillings and routine check-ups
The lifespan of fillings varies depending on the type of filling and how well they are cared for. Amalgam fillings can last many years, while composite fillings may need replacement sooner, especially in back teeth under heavy chewing forces.
Regular dental check-ups allow your dental team to monitor fillings for wear, cracks, or leakage. Early intervention helps repair teeth damaged before problems become painful or lead to tooth loss. With proper care and regular visits, dental fillings play an important role in maintaining healthy teeth and a confident smile.
Fillings and other dental treatments at Direct Dental Wandsworth
At Direct Dental Wandsworth, our focus is on helping you maintain strong oral health and a confident smile through high-quality, personalised care. If you need a filling, our experienced dental team will clearly explain your options, from tooth coloured composite fillings to traditional amalgam. From thorough examinations and X-rays to placing a new filling, we aim to make every visit comfortable, calm, and reassuring.
We understand that dental treatment can feel daunting, which is why patient comfort, clear communication, and proper care are central to everything we do. Our services are designed to stop decay early, repair damaged teeth, and support long-term dental health through regular dental check-ups and tailored aftercare. Whether you need cavity fillings or ongoing preventive care, we are here to support your smile at every stage.
FAQs
Does getting a filling hurt?
Getting a filling does not usually hurt because the dentist uses local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This means you should not feel pain during the treatment, although you may notice pressure or vibration. If you are nervous or sensitive, the dentist can take breaks to help.
After the filling, the mouth may feel numb for a few hours, and the tooth can feel sensitive. Mild discomfort is normal once the numbness wears off. This usually settles within days. If pain is strong, lasts longer, or feels wrong, contact your dentist for advice as soon as possible.
Can a filling be done in one visit?
A filling is often completed in one visit, especially when the cavity is small or moderate. The dentist examines the tooth, numbs the area, removes decay, and places the filling in a single appointment, allowing you to leave with the tooth repaired the same day.
Some cases need more than one visit, such as very deep decay or when crowns are planned. If the tooth is badly damaged, extra treatment may be needed first. Your dentist will explain the plan clearly, so you know what to expect before treatment begins. This helps reduce worry and supports confident decisions for patients.
Are there alternatives to fillings for treating decay?
Small areas of tooth decay can sometimes be treated without a filling. Fluoride treatments or special dental varnishes can help stop decay from getting worse and protect the natural tooth. Good oral hygiene, including brushing with fluoride toothpaste and reducing sugary foods, can also help repair early decay.
In cases where decay is more advanced, other treatments may be needed instead of a standard filling. Options include crowns for badly broken teeth, inlays or onlays made from gold or porcelain, or root canal treatment if the decay reaches the nerve. Your dentist will recommend the safest option for your teeth.
Will the filling change the way my tooth feels or bites together?
A new filling can feel different at first because it changes the shape of the tooth slightly. You may notice a small bump or uneven feeling when you bite or chew. This is normal and usually settles as your mouth adjusts over a few days.
If the filling feels high or your bite feels uncomfortable, your dentist can easily adjust it. Properly shaped fillings should restore the tooth’s natural function and allow your teeth to meet correctly. Most patients quickly get used to the new filling, and it should not affect chewing or cause long-term discomfort.
How long does a filling last?
The lifespan of a filling depends on the type of filling, where it is in the mouth, and how well it is cared for. Amalgam fillings can last many years, often over a decade, while composite or tooth-coloured fillings may need replacing sooner, especially in back teeth that handle more chewing.
Proper care can help fillings last longer. Brushing twice a day, flossing, avoiding very hard foods, and attending regular dental check-ups all protect the filling and the natural tooth. With good oral hygiene, most fillings continue to repair cavities and support healthy teeth for many years.
Can a filling fall out, and what should I do if it does?
A filling can sometimes fall out, especially if it is old, worn, or the tooth around it is weak or cracked, or if the filling was very small to begin with. Chewing hard foods or grinding teeth can also loosen a filling. Losing a filling can leave the tooth exposed and sensitive.
If a filling falls out, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side of the mouth. Your dentist can replace the filling or recommend other treatment to protect the tooth and prevent decay, further damage, or infection. Acting quickly helps maintain long-term oral health.
Is it normal for a tooth to be sensitive to cold after a filling?
It is normal for a tooth to feel sensitive to cold after a filling. The sensitivity happens because the tooth has been cleaned, drilled, and filled, which can temporarily irritate the nerves inside. This feeling usually lasts a few days to a couple of weeks while the tooth settles and adapts to the new filling.
If the sensitivity is mild, it should improve on its own. Using a soft toothbrush, avoiding very cold foods and drinks, and following good oral hygiene can help. Contact your dentist if the pain is severe, lasts longer than expected, or gets worse.
Does smoking affect the lifespan of a filling?
Smoking can affect the lifespan of a filling because it increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and staining around the filling. Heat, chemicals, and reduced blood flow in the mouth can weaken the tooth and surrounding tissue, making fillings more likely to wear down or fail over time.
Smokers may notice fillings discolour faster, especially tooth-coloured composite or white fillings, and the risk of further decay around the filling is higher. Maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental check-ups, and avoiding smoking where possible can help protect fillings and support long-term oral health.
Can I get a cavity under a filling?
It is possible to get a cavity under a filling if bacteria reach the tooth around or beneath the filling. This can happen if oral hygiene is not maintained, if the filling wears down, or if there are small gaps between the filling and the tooth. Decay under a filling may not be noticeable at first, so regular dental check-ups are important.
Signs of decay under a filling can include sensitivity, pain, or a dark spot on the tooth. Your dentist can detect cavities under fillings early and repair them to prevent further damage or tooth loss.
Are temporary fillings safe?
Temporary fillings are safe for short-term use while waiting for a permanent filling or other treatment. They protect the tooth, cover the cavity, and help prevent decay or infection from spreading. Temporary fillings are not as strong as permanent ones, so they may wear down or come out more easily.
It is important to avoid chewing hard foods on a temporary filling and to maintain good oral hygiene. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to replace the temporary filling with a permanent one. Acting promptly ensures the tooth stays protected and supports long-term oral health.
