Dental Fillings Explained: Types, Costs, and What to Expect

Author : Jose Smith | Published On : 02 Nov 2026

Dental Fillings Explained: Types, Costs, and What to Expect

A twinge when you drink something cold. A rough edge your tongue keeps finding. A dentist saying, “You have a small cavity.” Needing a filling is one of the most common reasons people visit the dentist, yet many are unsure what it involves, which material to choose, or whether it will hurt.

The good news is that fillings are routine, usually quick, and very effective when decay is caught early. Understanding the process makes the appointment less daunting and helps you ask better questions about materials, cost, and aftercare.

This guide explains why fillings are needed, how they are placed, the main materials, what to expect afterwards, and how to choose a dentist in London who explains your options clearly. It is general information, not a substitute for advice from your own dentist.

Why Do Teeth Need Fillings?

A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay, cracks, or wear. Decay happens when bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and produce acid that dissolves enamel. Early decay can sometimes be halted with fluoride and better cleaning, but once a cavity forms, it will not heal on its own and usually needs a filling.

Fillings may also be used to:

Repair chipped or broken teeth
Restore worn surfaces
Replace old or failing fillings

Decay is often painless at first, which is why regular check-ups matter.

Signs You May Need a Filling

Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet things
Pain when biting or chewing
A visible hole or dark spot
Food repeatedly trapping in one place
A rough or sharp edge, or a broken piece of tooth
A filling that has cracked, loosened, or fallen out

If you have severe pain, swelling, or a bad taste, contact a dentist promptly. Do not wait for it to settle.

What Happens During the Appointment

Examination. The dentist checks the tooth, and may take an X-ray if clinically needed.
Numbing. Local anaesthetic is usually given, often after a numbing gel on the gum. Some very small repairs may not need it, so ask.
Removing decay. The decayed or damaged part is cleaned out with a drill or other instruments.
Placing the filling. The material is put in, shaped, and hardened, sometimes with a special light.
Checking your bite. The dentist makes sure the filling feels comfortable when you close your teeth.
Aftercare advice. You will be told how long the numbness lasts and what to avoid.

Most fillings take under an hour.

Types of Filling Material

Your dentist will advise which suits your tooth, but common options include:

Composite (Tooth-Coloured) Resin

Matches the tooth colour closely
Bonds to the tooth, so less healthy tooth may need removing
May stain or wear over time, and can be less durable in large back-tooth repairs

Amalgam (Silver-Coloured)

Long-established and durable, often used on back teeth
Visibly metallic
Contains mercury, and its use is now restricted in some situations, so ask what your dentist recommends and why

Glass Ionomer

Releases fluoride, which can help protect the tooth
Often used for small repairs, near the gum line, or in baby teeth
Generally less hard-wearing than other options

Inlays, Onlays, and Crowns

Where damage is too large for a standard filling, a lab-made restoration may be suggested. These usually need more than one visit and cost more.

Availability of materials differs between NHS and private care, so ask what is offered and why.

Choosing Between Materials

Questions to consider:

Where is the tooth? Visibility and chewing load matter.
How big is the repair?
How long should it last? No filling lasts forever.
What are the cost differences?
Do you have any allergies or sensitivities?
What does your dentist recommend, and why?

Be wary of anyone who pushes the most expensive option without explaining the clinical reason.

Aftercare

Wait until the numbness wears off before eating, to avoid biting your cheek or tongue
Expect some sensitivity for a few days, especially to temperature
Avoid very hard or sticky foods briefly if advised
Keep brushing and cleaning between your teeth as normal, gently around the new filling
Contact your dentist if your bite feels high, pain worsens, or sensitivity does not settle after a couple of weeks

How Long Do Fillings Last?

There is no fixed lifespan. It depends on the material, the size and position of the filling, your bite, your habits such as grinding, and how well you clean your teeth. Regular check-ups let your dentist monitor fillings and replace them before they fail. Ask for realistic expectations rather than guarantees.

Preventing Further Decay

Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
Clean between your teeth daily
Keep sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes
Limit acidic drinks
Avoid smoking
Attend check-ups at the interval your dentist recommends

NHS or Private?

NHS care covers fillings that are clinically necessary, charged in national bands, with some people exempt. Material choices on the NHS may be more limited, and tooth-coloured fillings are not available everywhere in every situation. Private care is priced by each practice and typically offers a wider choice. Ask what is included, what each option costs, and get the plan in writing. Check current NHS rules, as they can change.

Questions to Ask Your Dentist

Why does this tooth need a filling?
What are my material options, and which do you recommend?
What are the pros, cons, and costs of each?
Will I need anaesthetic?
How long should it last?
What happens if I delay treatment?
What is NHS and what is private?
Can I have the plan in writing?

Red Flags

Recommending several fillings without showing you evidence, such as X-rays or photos
Pressure to decide quickly or buy a package
Vague pricing
No explanation of alternatives, including monitoring early decay
Dismissing your concerns about materials
Reluctance to say who will treat you

Choosing a Practice

GDC registration for every clinician, checkable on the public register
CQC regulation, with a published inspection report
Clear explanations of options, with images where helpful
Written plans and costs
A gentle approach if you are nervous
No pressure at any stage

If you are comparing options for a dentist in London ask how the team explains filling choices, what materials are offered, and how costs are presented.

Final Thoughts

A filling is a simple repair that protects a tooth from further damage. Catch problems early, ask about your options, and look after the repair with good daily habits. Regular check-ups keep small cavities small.

If you think you may need a filling, take a look at Mint Dental Centre and ask the team what an appointment involves.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Materials, suitability, and costs vary by individual and may change, so confirm details with your dentist. In an emergency, call 999.