A tooth filling is a dental treatment that repairs a tooth damaged by decay, a small fracture or wear. The dentist removes the affected part of the tooth and replaces it with a restorative material. The goal is to restore the tooth’s shape, strength and function and stop decay from spreading. Common options include tooth-coloured composite, aesthetic fillings matched closely to the natural shade, and ceramic fillings made in a laboratory or by chairside milling.
The procedure is non-surgical and usually done under local anaesthesia. The dentist removes the decayed tissue, cleans and shapes the cavity, then places the material. A composite is applied in layers and hardened with a curing light. Ceramic restorations are designed from an impression or digital scan, then bonded to the tooth, which may take one or two sessions. The filling is finally shaped and polished to fit the bite.
A single filling normally takes about 30 to 60 minutes; a ceramic filling can need a second visit. Numbness fades in a few hours and most people eat normally the same day, with mild sensitivity that usually settles within days to a few weeks. The final result is visible immediately after polishing, and the filling is checked at routine dental visits.
The final cost is set after a medical consultant reviews your case and photos.
Dr. Burhan Mollamusa is an experienced dentist with more than a decade of clinical practice in modern dentistry. He graduated from Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry in 2011 and has been providing comprehensive dental care ever since. His expertise includes dental implants, oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and advanced restorative treatments. Dr. Mollamusa focuses on using modern technologies and personalized treatment plans to achieve natural and long-lasting results. His patient-centered approach ensures comfort, clear communication, and high-quality dental care for every patient.
Afra Nur Karaca is a dedicated dentist specializing in modern and patient-focused dental care. She combines advanced dental techniques with a gentle and personalized approach to provide safe, comfortable, and effective treatments. Her goal is to improve patients’ oral health while creating natural and aesthetic smiles.
Dr. Ahmad Shahin is a consultant prosthodontist and implantologist at Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital, Dubai Healthcare City. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Jordan University of Science and Technology, the Jordanian Board in Prosthodontics and the MFD of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He treats missing teeth with fixed and removable prostheses and implants, and offers bone and soft tissue grafting, sinus lifting, full mouth rehabilitation and veneers.
Our medical consultants review all requests regularly, every three hours.
Get a free consultation and answers to all your questions by completing the form below
It removes decay, can relieve pain or sensitivity, restores chewing function and protects the remaining tooth from further damage. Tooth-coloured materials also blend in with the natural teeth.
People with a cavity, a small chip or a worn area where enough healthy tooth remains. When the damage is extensive, the dentist may recommend a different restoration instead. The treating dentist decides after an examination and X-rays.
No special preparation is usually needed. Tell your dentist about allergies, medicines and medical conditions, and brush your teeth beforehand. You can generally eat before the visit, but avoid chewing while the area is numb.
After local anaesthesia, the decayed tissue is removed and the cavity is cleaned. The material is then placed and hardened or bonded, and the filling is shaped and polished. Ceramic fillings are made from an impression or digital scan and may need a second visit.
There is no downtime. Numbness fades in a few hours, so avoid hot food and take care not to bite your cheek until it does. Mild sensitivity to hot, cold or biting can last days to a few weeks.
The result is visible straight away. Fillings can last many years, often around 5 to 15 or more depending on the material, the size of the filling, your bite, oral hygiene and diet. Ceramic restorations are often chosen for durability.
Temporary sensitivity, a high bite that needs adjusting, and rarely allergy to a material. Over time a filling may chip, wear or leak, allowing new decay. If the decay was deep, the nerve can become irritated and need further treatment.
Composite is a tooth-coloured resin placed directly in one visit. Aesthetic fillings are chosen and layered for a closer colour match. Ceramic fillings are made indirectly and are typically more wear-resistant and stain-resistant. The dentist advises which suits the tooth.
No waiting time is usually needed for a simple filling, and many people can travel the same or next day. If a ceramic filling needs two visits, stay until the final fitting; the treating dentist will confirm.
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, limit sugary foods and drinks, avoid chewing ice or hard objects, and attend regular check-ups. If you grind your teeth, ask about a night guard.
