Pain or damage
Fillings
A filling repairs a tooth with a cavity. The decay is removed and the space is filled with tooth-coloured material that blends in, so the tooth looks and works as it should.
5.0 on Google from 93 reviewsYour filling, step by step
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Step 1 of 6
Check-up and X-ray
The dentist checks the tooth and may take an X-ray. Decay often goes deeper than the spot you can see.
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Step 2 of 6
Numbing
The area is numbed, so you feel pressure rather than pain. Very small fillings sometimes do not need it.
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Step 3 of 6
Decay removed
The decay is gently removed, and the cavity is cleaned and shaped.
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Step 4 of 6
Filled in layers
Tooth-coloured filling material is placed in thin layers, each set hard with a blue light.
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Step 5 of 6
Shaped and polished
The filling is shaped to fit your bite and polished smooth.
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Step 6 of 6
Like your own tooth
The filling blends in with the tooth. You can eat once the numbness has worn off.
Types of fillings
The dentist recommends what suits you after your check-up and, if needed, an X-ray.
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01
Tooth-coloured composite
The most common white filling. Built up in layers and matched to the shade of your tooth.
A tooth-coloured resin, placed in layers and set hard with a blue light. It bonds to the tooth.
Best for
- Front and back teeth
- Small to medium cavities
What it involves
Usually one visit: the tooth is numbed if needed, the decay removed, and the filling built up and polished.
The parts
Final layer, shaped to your bite · Second layer · First layer · Your tooth, cavity cleaned
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02
Glass ionomer
A tooth-coloured filling that releases fluoride. Often used for milk teeth and near the gum line.
A tooth-coloured filling that bonds to the tooth and slowly releases fluoride, which helps protect it.
Best for
- Children's milk teeth
- Small cavities near the gum line
What it involves
Usually one short visit.
The parts
Glass ionomer filling · Releases fluoride · Your tooth, cavity cleaned
When a filling helps
- A cavity: a hole in a tooth caused by decay.
- A small chip or crack.
- An old filling that is worn, broken or leaking.
- A tooth that is sensitive because of a small cavity.
If decay has reached the nerve, a filling is not enough and root canal treatment may be needed. The dentist will tell you after the check-up.
After your filling
- Wait until the numbness wears off before eating, so you do not bite your cheek or tongue.
- Some sensitivity to cold for a few days is normal.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth.
- Cut down on sugary snacks and drinks between meals.
- Keep your regular check-ups, so small cavities are found early.
Dr. Tabassum Ajmal
Dentist and prosthodontist
Your treatment is planned and carried out by Dr. Tabassum, who leads the clinic on Nasir Bagh Road. She explains each step, and what it costs, before anything starts.
Questions about fillings
Can't find yours? Ask the booking assistant, or message the clinic on WhatsApp.
Does a filling hurt?
The area is numbed first, so most people feel only pressure and vibration. Very small fillings sometimes need no numbing at all.
How long does it take?
Usually one visit. The dentist tells you how long after checking the tooth.
Can I eat afterwards?
Yes. A tooth-coloured filling is set hard straight away. Wait until the numbness wears off so you do not bite your cheek or tongue.
Can old silver fillings be replaced with white ones?
Often, yes, especially if they are worn or broken. Ask the dentist at your check-up.
Do children need fillings in milk teeth?
Often, yes. A filling stops the decay from spreading and helps keep the milk tooth until the adult tooth comes in.
Talk to the clinic about fillings
Book a check-up. The dentist examines you and explains your options, how long each takes and what it costs, before anything starts.
1st Floor, Al-Sayed Tower, Nasir Bagh Road, near Amal Labs, Malakandher, Peshawar