17002 Dental Fillings

Overview

A dental filling is a common treatment that repairs a damaged or decayed tooth. Your dentist removes the damaged part, cleans the tooth, and fills the space with a safe material. This helps stop pain, prevents more damage, and lets you chew normally again.

Yes. Dental fillings are very common. Many people have at least one filling in their lifetime, and children and adults both get them.

Anyone with tooth decay or a damaged tooth can need a filling. It is especially common in children, older adults, people with dry mouth, and people who often eat or drink sugary things.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Toothache or pain when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks
• A visible hole, dark spot, or rough edge on a tooth
• Food getting stuck between teeth
• Bad breath or a bad taste that does not settle
• No symptoms at all — decay may be found at a routine check-up

Symptoms in children

• Young children may not be able to explain tooth pain
• Crying or being fussy when eating
• Avoiding chewy or sweet foods
• A visible hole or dark spot on a tooth
• Bad breath that does not go away

Symptoms in older adults

• Root decay as gums recede (pull back)
• Dry mouth, which can increase decay
• Old fillings that crack, wear down, or feel rough
• Less pain even when decay is advanced
• Difficulty brushing due to arthritis, memory problems, or limited help

Causes

Main causes

• Tooth decay (caries) — damage caused by acids made by bacteria in plaque
• A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
• An old filling that has worn down, cracked, or come loose
• Gum recession that exposes the softer root of the tooth
• Acid erosion from sugary drinks, fizzy drinks, or stomach acid

Risk factors

• Eating or drinking sugary foods and drinks often, especially between meals
• Not brushing teeth or not cleaning between teeth
• Dry mouth caused by medicines or health conditions
• Smoking or using tobacco
• Having cavities or fillings before
• Grinding or clenching teeth
• Acid reflux or eating disorders
• Limited access to dental care

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Facial swelling, especially with fever
• Severe tooth pain that is not settling
• A broken tooth with bleeding or pain
• A filling falls out and you have pain
• Swelling or pain that is getting worse quickly

Book a routine appointment if:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet things
• A visible hole or dark spot on a tooth
• Food getting stuck in the same place
• A rough or sharp edge on a tooth or filling
• A routine dental check-up

Diagnosis

A dentist checks your teeth and asks about pain, sensitivity, and eating. They may use a small mirror and a gentle probe. Sometimes they take an X-ray (a picture of the tooth and jaw) to see decay between teeth or under old fillings.

Tests that may be done

• Dental examination
• Dental X-rays
• Bite test — checking how your teeth meet
• Cold or sensitivity test on the tooth
• Photos or scans in some dental clinics

What to expect at your appointment

The visit is usually short and not painful. You may be given numbing medicine if needed. Your dentist will explain your options and aftercare. Tell them if you feel anxious — they can go at your pace.

Treatment

A filling repairs the tooth and helps stop decay from getting worse. Your dentist removes the damaged part, cleans the tooth, and fills it with a suitable material. This can ease pain and let you eat and drink more comfortably.

Self-care at home

• Follow your dentist’s advice after a filling, especially while your mouth is numb
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
• Avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods for a short time if your tooth is sensitive
• Do not chew on the numb side until feeling returns

Medical treatments

Your dentist will numb the area if needed, remove decay, clean the tooth, and place a filling. Different filling materials are used depending on the tooth and the damage. If the tooth is badly damaged, your dentist may discuss other options such as a crown (a cap that covers the tooth), root canal treatment, or removing the tooth.

When is surgery considered?

Most fillings are not surgery. If a tooth is badly broken or decay is deep, your dentist may recommend a crown, root canal treatment, or tooth removal. These are done to save your tooth or stop infection.

Living with this condition

Most people forget about their fillings soon after treatment. With good daily care and regular dental check-ups, many fillings last for years. Tell your dentist if a filling feels rough, high when you bite, or painful.

Lifestyle tips

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth every day
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals
• Choose water instead of sugary drinks
• Do not smoke or use tobacco
• Ask your dentist about a mouthguard if you grind your teeth

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and drinking water helps your mouth and body. Keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes rather than all day. Regular physical activity supports general health. If you have dental pain, choose softer foods until you can see your dentist.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dental anxiety is common. Tell your dentist if you feel worried; they can explain each step, agree on a stop signal, and go at your pace. If worry is affecting your sleep or daily life, talk to a health professional. If you feel in crisis, contact your local emergency number or crisis service.

Prevention

Yes. Tooth decay is largely preventable with daily cleaning, less sugar, and regular dental care. Fillings repair damage, but good habits help prevent new cavities.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for tooth decay. Vaccines for other conditions are discussed with your doctor.

Screening programmes

Regular dental check-ups, as often as your dentist advises, help find decay early. Ask your dentist how often you need a check-up.

Complications

If left untreated

• Decay can reach the nerve and cause severe pain
• Abscess (a pocket of pus) and infection
• Tooth loss
• Infection spreading to the face or neck (rare but serious)
• Need for more complex treatment later
• Problems with biting and eating

Long-term outlook

Most fillings work well and can last many years with good care. Early treatment is simpler and helps keep your natural tooth. Regular check-ups and daily cleaning make a real difference.

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