Dental filling guides

What a filling is and the main types

Cleveland Clinic describes direct fillings placed in one visit and indirect fillings made in a lab. The direct types are amalgam (silver-colored, a mix of mercury with silver, tin, zinc and copper), resin composite (tooth-colored) and glass ionomer (tooth-colored). Indirect fillings include inlays and onlays, used when there is too much damage for a filling but not enough for a crown, and can be gold or porcelain.

Your dentist chooses the material based on the size and position of the cavity, your bite and your preferences. Ask which type is planned and why.

What happens at a filling appointment

The tooth is numbed with local anesthetic, damaged or decayed tissue is removed, and the space is filled. If the material is resin composite, a curing light hardens it. The dentist then polishes any rough edges and checks your bite. Sedation is available for patients with dental anxiety.

You can usually resume normal activities straight away unless you were sedated.

When can you eat after a filling?

Wait until the numbness wears off before eating, to avoid biting your tongue, cheek or lip. Local anesthetic usually wears off in one to three hours but can last longer depending on the type and amount used. If you eat sooner, chew slowly and on the other side.

The material matters too. Composite hardens under the curing light during the visit, so the filling itself can be chewed on soon after, though your dentist may suggest waiting one to three hours if you are numb. Amalgam sets more slowly, and Healthline advises waiting about 24 hours before chewing on that side. Sticky and hard foods are a bigger risk for a new amalgam filling.

Sensitivity after a filling

Mild sensitivity to heat and cold and some gum soreness are common and usually fade within a week or two, according to Cleveland Clinic. Healthline reports typical soreness lasting one to three days, with pain mostly settling within three days to a week, and it can last longer after deeper fillings. Warm salt water rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers can help if your dentist recommends them.

A bite that still feels uneven after a few days is worth a call, because the dentist can reshape the filling.

How long fillings last and signs one needs attention

Cleveland Clinic says fillings can last up to 20 years depending on the material, with a typical range of 10 to 20 years. Signs a filling needs attention include a throbbing toothache, pain when biting, and pain that lingers after hot or cold contact, which can mean decay has reached the nerve and further treatment is needed.

Regular dental visits let your dentist check older fillings before they fail.

Filling, inlay, onlay or crown?

Cleveland Clinic describes inlays and onlays as lab-made restorations used when there is too much damage for a filling but not enough for a crown. Some can be made in one visit with computer-aided design and milling technology, while others need two visits. If a tooth has a large cavity or is cracked, your dentist may recommend one of these instead of a standard filling.

Where decay has reached the nerve, Cleveland Clinic says a throbbing toothache can mean a root canal is needed. Ask your dentist what the options are and why one is recommended over another for your tooth.

Questions to ask before a filling

A short list of questions helps you understand the plan and compare any estimates you receive.

• Which material is planned, and why is it the best option for this tooth?
• How many surfaces will be filled, and could this tooth need more than a filling later?
• How long should I wait before eating, and are there foods I should avoid?
• What sensitivity is normal, and when should I call you?
• Is the fee in writing, and does it include any follow-up visit to adjust the bite?

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