Booking an appointment with your tooth filling dentist can feel daunting, but knowing what to expect helps you feel prepared and confident. During this visit, your dentist will assess tooth decay, discuss material options, perform the filling procedure, and recommend aftercare to protect your restored tooth. Whether you need a simple composite resin repair or an indirect inlay, this guide walks you through each step of the process in clear, patient-focused language.
You’ll learn how to prepare, which filling materials might suit your needs, what happens during the procedure, and how to care for your new restoration. We’ll also cover warning signs to watch for and additional restorative services—like crowns, bridges, and implants—that you may need in the future. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect from your appointment and how to work with your dental team for lasting results.
Prepare for your appointment
Gathering information ahead of time ensures a smooth visit and helps your tooth filling dentist tailor treatment to your needs.
Gather medical history
- List current medications, allergies, and past reactions to anesthesia
- Note any medical conditions—such as diabetes or heart issues—that affect healing
- Share recent dental X-rays or bring previous records if available
Discuss anesthesia options
Your comfort is a priority. Options include:
- Local anesthetic to numb only the treatment area
- Sedation dentistry (oral or IV) if you have severe dental anxiety or require extensive work
Review insurance and costs
- Verify coverage for fillings and related diagnostics under your plan
- Ask about out-of-pocket estimates for different materials and techniques
- Explore insurance covered restorative dental options with your provider
Plan logistics
- Arrange transportation if you choose sedation
- Allow extra time for check-in, x-rays, and post-procedure instructions
Understand filling materials
Your dentist will recommend a material based on cavity size, location, aesthetics, and budget. Direct fillings are placed in a single visit. Indirect restorations—like inlays and onlays—require two visits and a dental lab.
Direct filling materials
- Composite resin matches tooth color and bonds directly to enamel
- Silver amalgam is durable and cost-effective but visible
- Glass ionomer releases fluoride to help prevent new decay
Indirect restorations
Inlays and onlays fit into the prepared cavity or cover part of the biting surface:
- Porcelain and ceramic options offer stain resistance and a natural look
- Lab-fabricated gold restorations are long-lasting but less common
Temporary fillings
If your dentist needs to stage treatment or monitor pulp health, a temporary filling bridges visits for up to 6–8 weeks before permanent placement [1].
Material comparison table
| Material | Lifespan | Cost (1–2 teeth) |
|---|---|---|
| Amalgam | 10–15 years | $50–$200 [2] |
| Composite resin | ~7 years | $150–$300 [2] |
| Porcelain (inlay) | ~15 years | $300–$4,500 [2] |
| Gold inlay/onlay | ~20 years | $300–$1,000 [2] |
| Glass ionomer | <5 years | Varies |
Some dental fillings can last up to 20 years, depending on material and oral hygiene [3].
During your filling procedure
Once you’re comfortably numb, your dentist follows precise steps to restore tooth function and appearance.
- Administer local anesthetic and confirm full numbness
- Use a dental probe, caries-detecting liquid, or X-ray to locate decay [4]
- Remove decayed tissue with a drill, air abrasion, or laser [5]
- Clean and dry the cavity, isolating the tooth with a rubber dam if needed
- Place the filling material layer by layer (for composites) or seat a lab-fabricated inlay/onlay
- Shape, polish, and adjust the restoration for proper bite alignment
- Review aftercare instructions and schedule any follow-up visits
Most simple fillings take 30–60 minutes. Indirect restorations require two appointments spaced one to two weeks apart.
After your procedure
Proper care ensures healing, comfort, and longevity of your new filling.
Immediate precautions
- Avoid chewing on the treated side until numbness wears off
- Skip hard, sticky, or chewy foods for 24 hours with new composite or amalgam
- Resume gentle brushing and flossing around the restoration
Manage sensitivity
Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure is normal for up to two weeks. To ease discomfort:
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
Maintain oral hygiene
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily and consider an interdental cleaner or floss pick
- Ask your dentist about fluoride mouth rinses or sealants for high-risk areas [4]
Identify warning signs
Knowing when to call your dentist helps prevent complications and preserve your restoration.
Filling damage or breakage
If your filling cracks, chips, or falls out, eat soft foods and contact your dentist immediately—this could expose underlying decay or nerves [3]. You may need a replacement filling or repair broken dental work.
Signs of infection
Watch for persistent pain, swelling, or fever after 48 hours. These symptoms may signal an abscess requiring prompt care and possibly root canal therapy.
Pulp involvement
If decay reaches the tooth’s pulp, a filling alone won’t resolve the issue. Your dentist may recommend a root canal or tooth repair and restoration instead.
Consider related services
A filling isn’t always the final step in restorative dentistry. Your dentist may suggest advanced options to strengthen or replace teeth.
- Dental crowns: full-coverage caps to protect weakened teeth [6]
- Bridges: replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent crowns [7]
- Implant restorations: permanent tooth replacements surgically anchored in the jaw [8]
- Custom dentures and partials for multiple missing teeth [9]
- Comprehensive care for complex cases under our restorative dental procedures and dentistry for damaged teeth
Find the right dentist
Choosing a skilled provider makes all the difference in comfort and durability.
- Check credentials and specialist training in restorative and cosmetic dentistry
- Read patient reviews and before-and-after photos
- Confirm use of modern tools—digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, laser technology
- Ask about experience with your chosen material, such as a composite filling service or inlay/onlay
Consider providers in large networks for convenience—Delta Dental has the largest national network for tooth filling procedures [10].
Address common questions
How long do fillings last?
Lifespan varies by material: composites about 7 years, amalgam 10–15 years, porcelain up to 15 years, and gold around 20 years [1].
Is the procedure painful?
Your dentist uses local anesthetic so you feel pressure but no pain. Sedation options further increase comfort.
When can I eat normally?
Wait until the numbness subsides—typically 1–2 hours. Avoid hard or sticky foods on the repaired tooth for at least 24 hours.
Will my filling match my tooth?
Composite resin and porcelain closely mimic enamel color, while amalgam remains silver. Discuss aesthetics before treatment.
Are fillings covered by insurance?
Most dental plans cover a portion of filling costs. Verify benefits and co-pays with your insurer and dental office.
Can fillings be replaced?
Yes. Regular check-ups let your dentist monitor restorations and replace them when wear or decay occurs.
By understanding each stage of your appointment with a tooth filling dentist, you’ll approach the chair feeling informed and prepared. Proper planning, material choice, and aftercare all contribute to a strong, lasting restoration that keeps your smile healthy and functional for years to come.
