Teeth filling as the most common dental procedure

Filling your teeth is not only a common dental procedure, it is also key to your healthy smile and well-being. Whether it’s a cavity or a damaged chewing surface, our modern dental filling techniques can restore the natural strength and beauty of your teeth.

What are the symptoms that tell me I need a filling?

A filling may be necessary if you:

• Experience toothache or sensitivity when eating cold, hot, sweet or acidic foods and drinks.
• You notice visible holes or cracks in your tooth.
• You feel pain when chewing or when pressed.

What are the possible triggers of a cavity?

The most common cause is tooth decay, which develops when bacteria in plaque deposited on teeth produce acid that damages the tooth enamel. In addition, cracks or fractures in teeth and abrasions can also lead to cavities.

When should I see a dentist?

If you experience pain, sensitivity or visible damage to your tooth, see your dentist immediately. Early treatment can prevent the problem from getting worse.

What types of fillings are there?

Dental fillings can be applied using different materials to restore damaged or decayed teeth. These materials have different properties, so the choice should take into account the location of the filling, the nature of the dental problem, aesthetic needs and cost.

• Composite fillings: Composite (or filler) fillings are often used in aesthetic dentistry because their colour can be matched to the natural colour of the teeth. Fillings with composite materials are a good choice for anterior teeth or visible chewing surfaces where appearance is important.
• Ceramic (porcelain) fillings: ceramic (or porcelain) fillings provide an excellent aesthetic solution as they are stain resistant and mimic the colour and shine of natural teeth very well. This material is more durable than composite but costs more. It is often used for inlay and onlay techniques.
• Gold fillings: gold fillings are one of the most durable dental filling options, able to perform their function for decades without damage or wear. Gold fillings are made and inserted in several steps, and their price is high, but their excellent biocompatibility and durability make them a preferred choice.

What is inlay and onlay?

Inlay and onlay fillings are special dental restorative techniques (inlays) used to restore damaged parts of teeth. They provide greater strength and durability than traditional fillings and are less invasive than full crowns. The difference between the two lies mainly in the area and size of their application.

• Inlay: Inlay fillings are used when the tooth damage is located within the tooth surface but between the cusps. Inlay fillings are prepared in advance in the dental laboratory, based on an impression taken by the dentist, and the finished filling is then fixed into the tooth by the dentist. Inlay fillings are the perfect choice for minor chewing surface injuries when most of the tooth is still intact and the tooth structure does not require full coverage.
• Onlay: Onlay fillings are used to restore larger areas when the damage involves one or more tooth tips. An onlay is similar to an inlay in that it is a filling made in a laboratory setting from an impression taken by a dentist, but an onlay covers a larger area of the tooth, including one or more apices. Onlay fillings are also often called “partial crowns” because they are used in cases where there is too much crown, but a traditional filling is no longer sufficient to maintain the integrity of the tooth.

What will happen at the dentist first?

First, the dentist will examine the tooth and take an x-ray of its condition if necessary. We will then discuss the treatment options and the procedure with you.

What will be the next step?

The filling is done under local anaesthetic, after which the dentist will start removing the damaged or decayed part of the tooth. After a proper, thorough cleaning, the dental filling material is inserted. The filling material can be composite, porcelain or gold, depending on which is most suitable for the situation. After the filling, the dentist shapes and polishes the filling material to fit the natural shape and bite of the tooth. After the filling is placed, the doctor will give instructions on how to care for the treated area, including recommended oral hygiene practices and the importance of regular check-ups.

How much does a dental filling cost?

The cost of a dental filling varies depending on which tooth (e.g. front tooth, small mouth, largemouth) and how many surfaces (1-2-3 surfaces) need to be filled and the material chosen for the filling with your dentist. Depending on this, the cost of a filling can vary between ~38,000 HUF – 90,000 HUF. If additional work is required to achieve the result, the cost of this will be in addition to the basic filling fee.

Frequently Asked Questions