Dental Fillings & Cavity Treatment

What Are Dental Fillings?

Samhita Dental and Polyclinic in Basaveshwaranagar, Bangalore provides high-quality dental fillings to treat cavities and restore damaged teeth. Dental fillings are one of the most common dental procedures, and our experienced dentists use the latest materials and techniques to ensure painless treatment, durable results, and a natural appearance that blends seamlessly with your existing teeth.

A dental filling is a restorative material used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay (a cavity), minor fracture, or wear. The dentist first removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth, cleans the area to eliminate bacteria, and then fills the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material to restore the tooth's shape, strength, and function. Fillings prevent further decay by sealing off spaces where bacteria can enter and also restore the tooth's ability to withstand normal chewing forces.

Types of Filling Materials

At Samhita Dental, we offer several types of filling materials, each with its own advantages:

1. Composite Resin (Tooth-Coloured Fillings): Composite fillings are the most popular choice today because they match the natural colour of your teeth. Made from a mixture of glass or quartz particles in a resin medium, they bond directly to the tooth structure, providing good strength and a seamless appearance. Composite fillings are ideal for visible front teeth and small to medium-sized cavities. They typically last 5 to 10 years with proper care.

2. Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC): GIC fillings release fluoride, which helps protect the tooth from further decay. They are commonly used for fillings below the gum line, in children's teeth, and for temporary fillings. GIC fillings are not as strong as composite and are best suited for areas that do not bear heavy chewing forces. They typically last 3 to 5 years.

3. Ceramic (Porcelain) Fillings: Also known as inlays or onlays, ceramic fillings are fabricated in a dental laboratory and then bonded to the tooth. They are highly aesthetic, stain-resistant, and extremely durable, lasting 15 years or more. Ceramic fillings are ideal for larger cavities where maximum strength and aesthetics are both important. They require two visits to complete.

4. Amalgam (Silver) Fillings: Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. They are extremely durable and can last 10 to 15 years or longer. However, their silver colour makes them visible, so they are primarily used for back teeth. Many patients today prefer tooth-coloured alternatives for aesthetic reasons.

5. Gold Fillings: Gold fillings are the most durable option, lasting 15 to 30 years. They are well-tolerated by gum tissues and are exceptionally strong. However, they are the most expensive option and require multiple visits. Gold fillings are chosen by patients who prioritise longevity above all else.

When Do You Need a Filling vs Root Canal?

You may need a dental filling if you have a cavity caused by tooth decay, a chipped or cracked tooth, teeth worn down by habits such as nail-biting or teeth grinding, or a tooth that has lost a previous filling. Common signs that you may need a filling include toothache or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, visible holes or dark spots on a tooth, food frequently getting stuck in a particular area, or a rough or jagged edge felt by your tongue. However, many cavities in their early stages have no symptoms at all, which is why regular dental check-ups every 6 months are essential for early detection.

A dental filling is sufficient when decay is limited to enamel and dentin. A root canal is needed when decay has reached the pulp. Early detection with digital X-rays at Samhita Dental helps determine the right treatment.

A dental filling is sufficient when the decay is limited to the outer layers of the tooth (enamel and dentin) and has not reached the pulp (the innermost part containing nerves and blood vessels). A root canal becomes necessary when the decay has penetrated deep enough to infect or inflame the pulp, causing severe pain, prolonged sensitivity, or an abscess. The key difference is the depth and extent of the damage. At Samhita Dental, our dentists use digital X-rays to accurately assess the extent of decay and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Early detection and prompt filling of cavities can prevent the need for more extensive root canal treatment later.

The Filling Procedure

Step 1 - Examination and X-ray: The dentist examines the tooth and takes an X-ray to determine the extent of the decay.

Step 2 - Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring a completely painless procedure.

Step 3 - Decay removal: Using a dental handpiece or laser, the dentist carefully removes all decayed material from the tooth.

Step 4 - Cavity preparation: The cavity is cleaned and shaped to receive the filling material. An etching gel and bonding agent are applied for composite fillings to ensure a strong bond.

Step 5 - Filling placement: The chosen filling material is placed in layers. For composite fillings, each layer is hardened using a special curing light.

Step 6 - Shaping and polishing: The filling is shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth and polished to a smooth finish. The bite is checked and adjusted to ensure proper alignment.

Cost of Dental Fillings

At Samhita Dental in Basaveshwaranagar, the cost of dental fillings depends on the type of material and the size of the cavity. Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings range from INR 500 to INR 2,500 per tooth. GIC fillings range from INR 400 to INR 1,500 per tooth. Ceramic inlays and onlays range from INR 3,000 to INR 8,000 per tooth. Our pricing is transparent and competitive, ensuring that quality dental care remains accessible.

Post-Filling Care

After receiving a dental filling, some sensitivity to pressure, air, sweet foods, or temperature is normal for a few days to a couple of weeks. If sensitivity persists beyond two weeks or if you experience sharp pain when biting, contact your dentist for an adjustment. To care for your filling: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, avoid extremely hard or sticky foods directly on the new filling for the first 24 hours, attend regular dental check-ups so your dentist can monitor the filling, and maintain good overall oral hygiene to prevent new cavities from forming.

Why Choose Samhita Dental for Dental Fillings?

At Samhita Dental & Poly Clinic in Basaveshwaranagar, Bangalore, you receive dental fillings from experienced dental specialists who prioritize your comfort and results.

• MDS Oral Surgeon on Staff — Dr. Sumukh M holds an MDS in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery with 15+ years of experience
• Nobel Biocare Fellow — Fellowship-trained in oral implantology for world-class implant procedures
• 100% Sterilization — Autoclave sterilization with strict infection control protocols
• In-House Diagnostics — OPG and digital X-ray facilities for immediate diagnosis
• Affordable Pricing — Transparent pricing with EMI options available
• Convenient Hours — Open 9AM to 9PM, Monday to Saturday

Book your appointment today by calling 9886809202 or booking online.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is getting a dental filling painful?
No. Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area before the procedure, making it completely painless. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but no pain.

2. How long does a filling procedure take?
A simple filling can be completed in 20 to 30 minutes. Larger or multiple fillings may take 45 to 60 minutes.

3. How long do dental fillings last?
The lifespan depends on the material: composite fillings last 5 to 10 years, GIC fillings last 3 to 5 years, amalgam fillings last 10 to 15 years, and ceramic fillings can last 15 years or more.

4. Can a filling fall out?
While uncommon, fillings can become loose or fall out due to decay under the filling, biting forces, or wear over time. If this happens, see your dentist promptly for a replacement.

5. Do I need a filling if there is no pain?
Yes. Many cavities do not cause pain in their early stages. Regular check-ups and X-rays help detect cavities before they become painful and more difficult to treat.

6. Can I eat immediately after getting a filling?
For composite fillings that are hardened with a curing light, you can eat immediately. If local anaesthesia was used, it is advisable to wait until the numbness wears off (1 to 2 hours) to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.

7. Are tooth-coloured fillings as strong as silver fillings?
Modern composite fillings are very strong and suitable for most cavities. For very large cavities on back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces, your dentist may recommend a more durable option such as a ceramic inlay or crown.

8. Why is my tooth sensitive after a filling?
Mild sensitivity after a filling is normal and is caused by the tooth adjusting to the new material. It typically resolves within a few days to two weeks. If it persists, consult your dentist.

9. Can old fillings be replaced?
Yes. Old, worn, cracked, or aesthetically unpleasing fillings can be safely removed and replaced with new ones. Many patients choose to replace old silver fillings with tooth-coloured composite fillings.

10. How do I prevent cavities and the need for fillings?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages, get professional cleanings every 6 months, and consider dental sealants for cavity-prone teeth.

11. Can children get tooth-coloured fillings?
Yes. Tooth-coloured fillings are safe and appropriate for children. GIC fillings, which release fluoride, are often recommended for children's teeth.

12. What happens if a cavity is left untreated?
An untreated cavity will continue to grow, eventually reaching the pulp of the tooth and causing infection, severe pain, and abscess. At that point, a root canal or extraction may be necessary, which is more invasive and costly than a simple filling.