A small cavity can become a bigger problem if left untreated. Getting a tooth filling early helps protect your natural tooth, avoid discomfort, and keep your smile healthy.
If you’re noticing sensitivity or food getting stuck, it might be time for a tooth filling.
Contact our dental clinic today to schedule your appointment and keep your teeth healthy and strong.
A tooth filling is a common restorative dentistry treatment used to repair a decayed tooth, chipped teeth, or teeth damaged by wear. It helps restore the tooth’s normal function, strength, and natural appearance while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
Dental fillings, a more clinical term for tooth fillings, involve placing an artificial material into the tooth cavity to seal the space, prevent further decay, and protect the tooth surface. You may need a tooth filling if you have:
At Ocean Dental, we offer a range of dental filling materials tailored to each case. Options include amalgam fillings, composite resin fillings (also known as tooth coloured fillings), glass ionomer fillings, and more durable choices like porcelain fillings.
Each filling material has different properties:
Several factors affect how long a tooth with a filling lasts, such as the type of material used, the size and location of the tooth filling, the chewing load, and how well you maintain good oral hygiene. Larger or deeper cavities may require additional support with partial crowns or a dental crown.
In some cases of extensive tooth decay, a root canal treatment may be necessary before placing a dental restoration.
The tooth filling process is generally straightforward. Local anaesthetic is sometimes used to ensure comfort during treatment. After the decayed or damaged part of the tooth is removed with a dental drill, the cavity is cleaned, shaped, and filled with the chosen material. A temporary filling may sometimes be placed if multiple visits are needed.
By getting dental fillings early, you can prevent more serious dental problems, maintain your oral health, and keep your natural tooth strong and healthy for years to come.
Before starting the tooth filling treatment, a small dental x-ray may be required to check the extent of tooth decay. This helps the dentist accurately diagnose hidden cavities and plan the most suitable dental filling treatment.
At Ocean Dental, our treatment room is equipped with its own x-ray unit, allowing x-rays to be taken conveniently without needing to move to a different room. This setup makes your dental appointment more efficient, saving time and helping to streamline your tooth filling process.
A successful tooth filling not only seals the cavity, but also restores the natural shape and function of the tooth surface. If a filled tooth is placed too high, it can cause uneven pressure during chewing, leading to tooth pain or tooth sensitivity. Careful adjustment ensures your bite remains natural and comfortable, helping protect your oral health and preserve your natural teeth structure.
1) First, the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth using a dental drill, also known as high-speed handpiece.
2) After most decayed structures are removed, the dentist will switch to a slow-speed handpiece to remove any remaining portions of the decayed tooth. As this handpiece drills slower than the high-speed handpiece, you may feel a vibrating sensation in your tooth.
3) Once the cavity is cleaned up, your dentist will then place in the filling material and cure (harden) it with a light-curing device (the blue light). Different dental materials may have different properties, but it is generally vital to observe good infection control and effective moisture control of the operative field to ensure a successful filling.
Contamination during the process may end up causing those bacteria to be sealed inside your tooth, causing severe consequences in the future!
4) After the dental fillings are done, you will be asked to bite on a carbon paper to check if the filling is too thick / too high. After all the trimming and polishing is done, the tooth will be just like it was.
In Singapore, the cost of a tooth filling usually ranges from $75 to $180. The exact price depends on the material used, the size of the cavity, and how complex the treatment is. Materials such as composite resin fillings, amalgam fillings, and porcelain fillings can all affect the overall cost.
At Ocean Dental, we always provide a full consultation before starting any treatment. Our dentist will examine the affected tooth, explain your treatment options, and recommend the most suitable type of dental filling for your needs. An exact quote will be shared after your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Please note that the prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to all dental services.
Getting a dental filling early helps to protect the tooth structure, prevent further decay, and restore the strength and function of your tooth. If you have symptoms such as tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, or signs of tooth decay, we encourage you to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible to maintain your oral health.
When it comes to choosing a tooth filling, there are several dental filling materials available, each with its own advantages and limitations. The decision on which type of dental filling to use depends on several factors, such as the size and location of the cavity, the chewing load the tooth will bear, aesthetic considerations, and your personal preferences.
Common types of dental fillings include:
Each material behaves differently in terms of wear, durability, appearance, and how well it bonds to the natural structure of the tooth. Your dentist will explain the treatment options available and recommend the best dental filling material based on your specific needs.
Choosing the right filling material is important to ensure a strong, lasting restoration that helps protect your oral health and maintain the natural function and appearance of your tooth.
Here’s a quick comparison of the most common dental filling materials:
| Type of Dental Filling | Material | Strength | Appearance |
| Composite Fillings | Composite resin | Good | Matches natural tooth colour |
| Amalgam Fillings | Metal alloy (silver amalgam) | Very strong | Silver-coloured |
| Glass Ionomer Fillings | Glass and acrylic | Moderate | Tooth-coloured (less polished) |
| Porcelain Fillings | Ceramic material | Very strong | Excellent tooth match |
It is common to experience some form of mild and temporary sensitivity after a tooth filling procedure, easily triggered by very cold or very hot substances.
This may last for around 2-3 weeks, but it will gradually lessen and improve over time. However, if the sensitivity is so extreme that it causes pain to chew/bite or even talk, do contact your dentist and check it.
Each material has its own pros and cons. The decision to which material to use depends on many factors such as the location and the size of the cavity.
Amalgam | Glass Ionomer | Composite | |
Strength | +++ | + | ++ |
Longevity | +++ | + | ++ |
Invasiveness | +++ | + | + |
Moisture sensitive | + | ++ | +++ |
Aesthetic | + | ++ | +++ |
Price | $ | $ | $$ |
Depends on a case-by-case basis.
Amalgam filling a stable alloy made with mercury, silver, tin, copper, and other metals. Although concerns have been raised over the years about mercury safety in dental amalgam, there is no conclusive evidence to support that they should be replaced with other materials. The American Dental Association supports dental amalgam as a safe, reliable, and effective dental decay treatment.
Like most other substances, mercury in the body is related to the amount ingested. With amalgam filling, minimal amounts of mercury in the form of vapor can be released and absorbed into the body as the tooth fillings wears.
Hence, research has concluded that amalgam fillings are nothing to worry about because the low level of mercury absorbed from them is not enough to create any toxic effects. Studies have shown that the amount of mercury you can be exposed to from amalgam fillings is less than the amount that most people are exposed to in their daily environment or in the food they eat.
Nonetheless, if your old dental fillings are defective or show decay, it’s crucial to replace them. Untreated decay may eventually lead to severe consequences such as infection and dental abscess.
Different tooth filling materials have different properties; hence, some are more durable than others, but none is considered permanent.
Metal filling, such as amalgam fillings, can last up to 20 years in the right circumstances. Composite fillings and glass ionomer fillings, on the other hand, can be more fragile — but also more cosmetically appealing.
The location of the tooth filling contributes to how long it can last too. Constant stress from chewing or clenching may result in more wear and tear or fracture risk.
It is normal to experience some form of mild soreness or sensitivity immediately after tooth fillings procedure. This may last up to 2 weeks, depending on how deep the decay was.
You can eat and drink, but it is advisable to chew slowly and bite gently. If possible, try to chew on the opposite side. Avoid sticky food, extreme hot/ cold food, and also sweet food. These foods may trigger the sensitivity, especially immediately after the procedure.
Don’t hesitate to contact us!
