A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay. The practical choice today is between tooth-coloured composite and traditional silver amalgam, and for most everyday cavities composite is now the standard.
Tooth-coloured (composite) fillings
Composite is a resin matched to the shade of your tooth and bonded into the prepared cavity. Because it bonds to the tooth, less healthy structure has to be removed to hold the filling in place — and the repair is essentially invisible.
They are used for:
- cavities in front teeth, where appearance matters;
- chipped edges and small gaps;
- everyday cavities in back teeth.
Silver amalgam fillings
Amalgam is the traditional grey filling material. It is hard-wearing and has been used for generations, but it is visibly dark, it does not bond to the tooth (so more tooth may need removing to retain it), and many patients now prefer a repair that cannot be seen.
How long do fillings last?
That depends less on the material than on the size of the cavity, where it sits in the mouth, your bite and your cleaning. Any filling can fail if decay starts again at its edges — which is why cleaning between the teeth and regular check-ups matter more than the choice of material.
When a filling is not enough
If a cavity is very large or the tooth is cracked, a filling may not restore enough strength, and a crown protects the tooth better. Where decay has reached the pulp inside, root canal treatment is needed before the tooth is restored.
Preventing the next one
- Brush twice daily and clean between the teeth.
- Cut down on frequent snacking — how often you eat sugar matters more than how much at once.
- Attend check-ups so early decay is found while a small filling is all that is needed.
- Professional fluoride application can help where the risk of decay is high.
Common questions
Should I replace old silver fillings? Not automatically. Sound fillings can stay; replacement is considered when one fails, decays underneath, or you want the appearance changed.
Does a filling hurt? It is done under local anaesthesia. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards is normal.
How do I know I need one? Often you do not, early on — decay is painless at first, which is why check-ups find it before it reaches the nerve.
Read more about tooth-coloured fillings in Rajkot or book a consultation.