Tooth Filling

Tooth fillings repair cavities, old fillings, and chips

A tooth filling is one of the most common procedures in oral healthcare. A tooth needs to be filled when a caries lesion has progressed to a point where it can no longer be prevented. The decayed tooth tissue is removed and replaced with a filling material.

Fillings can also be used to repair chipped teeth. It is important to note that tooth decay varies individually. Good dental hygiene and proper home care can effectively help prevent cavities.

Especially for fillings in the front teeth, it is important that the filling blends seamlessly with the natural shape and color of the tooth. At eSmile, even routine fillings are carried out with precision and with aesthetics in mind.

Steps of a tooth filling

In practice, a filling begins with removing the decayed tooth tissue. In small cavities, the damaged tissue can be removed with hand instruments, but often a high‑speed drill is required.

Drilling may feel unpleasant, which is why the tooth is typically numbed carefully before drilling. Discuss with your dental assistant or dentist if you are sensitive to pain or feel anxious about the procedure. At eSmile, fillings are performed as comfortably as possible, taking individual needs into account.

After drilling, the cavity is filled with a filling material, which is bonded and hardened in place. The filling is shaped to fit the bite.

Filling materials

A tooth filling can be made with composite resin, ceramic material, glass ionomer cement, or even gold.

The most common material is composite resin, which is suitable for restoring cavities of various sizes. Composite fillings are not permanent and wear over time. This is important to keep in mind, especially when the filling is placed on a chewing surface. It is therefore advisable to discuss with the dentist how often check‑ups should be scheduled and when a filling may need replacement.

A ceramic filling is well suited for restoring large cavities. Ceramic restorations can also achieve a colour that closely matches the natural shade of the tooth. Ceramic fillings are more expensive than composite filling, because they require several steps and are always individually shaped. In some cases, ceramic restorations may be the best solution.

Discuss with your dentist which filling material is most suitable for you.

A tooth filling is usually completed in a single appointment if a cavity has been detected during a dental check‑up or if a cavity is suspected. Book a filling appointment here:

Book a tooth filling appointment

Why and when is a tooth filling needed?

• The most common reason for a filling is repairing a caries lesion and stopping its progression. The decayed tooth tissue is removed and replaced with filling material.
• If teeth have been filled previously, old fillings may sometimes require repair, reshaping, or replacement. It is often advisable to repair small defects rather than replace the entire filling.
• Fillings can be used to correct aesthetic defects and fractures. When a tooth is filled properly, the filling material blends with the natural tooth.
• The goal of a filling can be to restore the tooth’s shape and bite. Fillings can be used to restore normal tooth function and a natural bite.
• A filling can also make teeth easier to clean. Good oral hygiene and thorough cleaning of the teeth play an important role in preventing new cavities and caries lesions.

Price of a tooth filling

Teeth and their susceptibility to cavities are individual, so the cost of a filling varies from case to case, depending for example on the size of the cavity and the filling material used.

Remember that Kela reimbursement is available for tooth fillings and chip repairs, covering part of the treatment cost.