Dental fillings: which materials exist and how the treatment works

A small hole in a tooth, a dark spot or a brief, sharp pain with something sweet or cold – at first it may not seem like a big problem. But decay progresses. A filling can stabilise the tooth early and prevent further damage.

For a filling, the dentist removes the decayed or damaged part of the tooth and fills the area with a suitable material. This restores shape and function and stops the decay from progressing.

• Composite (resin): tooth-coloured and the most widely used material today. Suitable for front and back teeth; may wear somewhat more over the years than some alternatives.
• Ceramic inlays and onlays: custom-made in the lab, highly aesthetic, stain-resistant and durable – but more involved and usually more expensive than direct fillings.
• Gold inlays: very durable with a precise fit and a long service life with good care – but visibly metallic.
• Glass ionomer: can release fluoride and help protect the surrounding tooth; often used for small fillings, as a temporary solution or for baby teeth.
• Amalgam: very hard-wearing but visibly metallic. In the EU, amalgam may only be used in medically justified exceptional cases since 1 January 2025.

How the treatment works

A direct filling is usually completed in one session.

1. Examination and X-ray: the size of the decay and the right material are determined.
2. Anaesthesia if needed: for superficial decay in the enamel it is often not even necessary.
3. Removing the decay: the damaged area is carefully removed and cleaned.
4. Filling: the material is placed and – for composite – hardened with a special light.
5. Shaping and polishing: the filling is shaped to the natural tooth, the bite is checked and it is polished.

• Wait until the anaesthesia wears off before eating – so you don’t accidentally bite your cheek, lip or tongue.
• Avoid very hard or sticky food at first.
• Brush thoroughly and clean between your teeth so no new decay forms at the edge of the filling.
• Attend regular check-ups so problems are spotted early.

Mild sensitivity to hot or cold is normal for the first few days. If it persists or gets worse, have it checked. If a tooth is too badly damaged, a crown may be more appropriate than a filling.

About the authorDr. med. dent. Hasan CoşkunCo-founder of LHC Clinic, Istanbul

Dr. Coşkun studied dentistry at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (graduated 2000) and worked as a dentist in Germany for around 20 years. He has placed more than 10,000 implants and now practises in Istanbul with a focus on implant dentistry.

Diesen Artikel auf Deutsch lesen →

This article is for general information and does not replace a personal examination. Whether and which treatment is suitable for you can only be assessed after examination and a consultation.