Dental Fillings: Types, Materials, and What to Expect
A filling is dentistry's most common procedure — and the simplest solution to a cavity. Once decay is removed, the void left in the tooth needs to be filled to restore its shape, function, and integrity. The material used makes a difference in durability, appearance, and cost.
Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored Fillings)
The modern standard. Composite is a mixture of plastic resin and fine glass particles that's matched to your natural tooth color. Your dentist applies it in layers, each hardened with a blue curing light. Advantages: virtually invisible, bonds directly to tooth structure (requiring less removal of healthy tooth), and can repair chipped or worn teeth. Lifespan: 7–15 years. Slightly more expensive than amalgam but preferred by most patients for visible teeth.
Amalgam (Silver Fillings)
A time-tested alloy of mercury, silver, tin, and copper that has been used for over 150 years. Despite the word "mercury," dental amalgam is clinically considered safe — the mercury is locked in an alloy and does not release as vapor in the amounts used. Advantages: extremely durable (15–20+ years), less technique-sensitive, lower cost. Disadvantages: silver color, requires slightly more tooth removal, and is being phased out in many practices due to environmental concerns. The FDA recommends avoiding it for pregnant women, children under 6, and people with certain kidney conditions.
Glass Ionomer
A tooth-colored material that releases fluoride — useful for areas of high decay risk, baby teeth, and cavities near the gumline. Less durable than composite; typically used where appearance and fluoride release matter more than strength.
What to Expect During and After
Your dentist numbs the area with local anesthetic. You may feel pressure but not pain. The decay is removed with a drill or laser, the cavity is cleaned and conditioned, and filling material is placed and shaped. The procedure takes 30–60 minutes. After the anesthetic wears off (1–3 hours), you may experience mild sensitivity to temperature for a few days — this is normal. Avoid very hard foods on the new filling for 24 hours.