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When you need a filling

A dental filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay or minor fracture by removing the affected part and filling the space to restore the tooth's shape and function. It is the most common dental treatment and is used to treat cavities early, before they grow deep enough to reach the nerve and require a root canal or even extraction. A small chip or worn area can also be repaired with a filling.

Most fillings are quick, routine and done in a single visit, which makes them an easy addition to a dental check-up. Patients sometimes have fillings done abroad alongside other planned dental work, taking advantage of lower prices.

A filling is appropriate for early to moderate decay where enough healthy tooth remains. When too much tooth is lost, a crown or inlay is needed instead, and when decay has reached the nerve, a root canal comes first. A dentist decides from examination and X-rays.

Filling materials and how they differ

Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings are now the most common choice; they bond to the tooth, match its colour and are ideal for visible teeth, though very large ones wear faster than alternatives. Amalgam (silver) fillings are hard-wearing and inexpensive but dark in colour and used less often now, mainly for back teeth. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride and suit certain situations such as near the gum or in children.

For larger cavities, a laboratory-made inlay or onlay in ceramic or composite can be stronger and longer-lasting than a big direct filling, effectively a partial crown. Where so much tooth is missing that a filling would be unreliable, a full crown is the better choice.

The right material depends on the size and position of the cavity, the bite and aesthetics. A good dentist recommends accordingly rather than using one material for everything.

The procedure and what it costs

Getting a filling is quick and comfortable. The dentist numbs the tooth with local anaesthetic if needed, removes the decay, prepares the cavity, and places the filling; composite is built up in layers and hardened with a light, then shaped and polished, with the bite checked at the end. Most fillings take only part of an appointment, and several can often be done in one sitting.

In popular destinations a filling typically costs a modest two-to-three-figure sum in euros depending on size and material, often a fraction of high-cost-market prices. Larger laboratory inlays cost more, reflecting the extra work and materials.

Because it is so quick, a filling fits easily into a single visit and is frequently bundled with a check-up, cleaning or other treatment on a dental trip. A complete quote should make clear the material and whether it covers any needed X-ray.

Choosing a clinic and aftercare

Even for a routine filling, quality matters: a well-placed, well-sealed filling lasts for years, while a poor one can leak and let decay return underneath. Look for a clinic with a solid restorative record, recognised accreditation such as ISO certification, and a dentist who takes X-rays to confirm the extent of decay before treating.

Ask which material they recommend for your tooth and why, particularly for visible front teeth where appearance matters, and confirm the bite will be checked and adjusted so the filling does not feel high.

Aftercare is simple but real: some sensitivity for a few days is normal, and good hygiene prevents new decay around the filling. If a filling later cracks, falls out or the tooth becomes sensitive after you return home, a local dentist can usually replace or repair it, and keeping your records helps.

Recovery, longevity and risks

There is essentially no downtime with a filling. If anaesthetic was used, numbness wears off within a few hours, during which you avoid chewing on that side to prevent biting your cheek or lip. Mild sensitivity to hot, cold or pressure for a few days is common and usually settles; you can eat normally once any numbness has gone.

Fillings are durable but not permanent. Composite fillings commonly last several years to a decade, and amalgam often longer, before they may need replacing due to wear, chipping or new decay at the edges. Large fillings in heavily loaded teeth wear out sooner, which is when an inlay or crown becomes the better option.

Risks are minor: lingering sensitivity, a filling that is too high and needs adjusting, recurrent decay if the seal fails, and, if a cavity was deeper than expected, the small chance the tooth later needs a root canal. Good technique and regular check-ups keep these uncommon.

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