Discover the types, procedure and expected costs of dental fillings – explained in plain language.
Implantology und All-on-4 Specialist
A dental filling is one of the most commonly performed dental procedures. Its purpose is to restore hollow, damaged or fractured tooth structure, preventing further spread of decay and saving the tooth from loss. Although many people feel anxious about it, in modern dentistry it is a quick, painless and long-term reliable solution.
This article covers everything worth knowing about dental fillings: when they are necessary, what types are available, how the treatment works – and what to expect in terms of cost.
The most common reason for a filling is tooth decay, in which bacteria-produced acid breaks down the enamel and then attacks the inner tooth structure. When decay is caught early, a simple filling is enough to restore the tooth. Fillings are not only for cavities, however – they are also used to repair chipped, cracked or worn tooth surfaces. Annual dental check-ups are particularly important because decay identified at an early stage requires a much smaller intervention – and costs less too.
The most commonly used filling materials today are composite resin (white filling), glass ionomer and – less frequently – amalgam. Composite is tooth-coloured and provides a natural appearance, making it especially popular for front teeth. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride, which benefits patients who are prone to decay. Amalgam is exceptionally durable but is less preferred today due to its grey colour. The treating dentist will always recommend the most suitable material based on the location of the tooth, the extent of decay and the patient’s preferences.
A dental filling is typically completed in a single visit. The dentist first administers local anaesthesia, then removes the decayed tooth tissue and cleans the cavity. The filling material is then applied in layers and hardened with a special blue curing light (in the case of composite). The filling is subsequently adjusted, shaped and polished so that the fit is precise and the bite comfortable. The duration of the procedure depends on the size of the cavity and generally takes 30–60 minutes.
Thanks to the local anaesthetics used in modern dentistry, the procedure itself is painless. The injection of the anaesthetic may cause a mild pressure sensation, but the treated area becomes completely numb during the treatment. After the procedure – once the anaesthetic wears off – mild sensitivity or pressure may be felt for a few days. This is a normal response and can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. If the discomfort has not resolved after one week, it is advisable to return to the dentist.
The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used, the load on the tooth and oral hygiene habits. Composite fillings last on average 5–10 years, though with proper care they can last even longer. Amalgam fillings historically have a longer lifespan, reaching up to 15 years. Regular dental check-ups combined with twice-daily brushing and flossing significantly extend the functionality of a filling. If a filling chips, cracks or loosens, visit your dentist without delay.
The cost of a filling depends on several factors: the extent of the decay, the filling material required and the location of the tooth. Our clinic’s current prices can be found below:
Cosmetic dental fillings price (each) | Price in Sopron (€) |
| Costume (tooth-colored) fillings | from 50,- EUR |
| Composite inlays | from 250,- EUR |
| Ceramic inlays | from 350,- EUR |
Prices are indicative. The exact treatment plan and expected costs can only be determined by the dentist following an examination.
With a composite filling, the material hardens instantly under the curing light, so technically eating is possible right after the procedure. However, it is advisable to wait until the anaesthetic has fully worn off (1–3 hours) to avoid accidentally biting the inside of your mouth. In the first few days it is best to avoid very hard or chewy foods and drinks with extreme temperatures, to allow the filling to fully settle.
A filling does not need to be replaced automatically as long as it is in good condition. During the annual dental check-up, the dentist examines existing fillings and only recommends replacement if the material is worn, cracked or if the edge of the filling has separated from the tooth. Even without proactive replacement, regular monitoring is worthwhile, as new decay can develop beneath a filling without causing any symptoms.
A white (composite) filling is tooth-coloured, aesthetically pleasing and bonds chemically to the tooth, meaning less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed. A grey (amalgam) filling is made from a metal alloy, is exceptionally durable and has been a proven solution for many decades – but is less favoured from an aesthetic standpoint. The European Union is phasing out the dental use of amalgam from 2025 onwards, which means an increasing number of practices are now exclusively using tooth-coloured filling materials.
If decay reaches the dental pulp – where the nerve and blood vessels are located – a simple filling is no longer sufficient. In this case, root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) is required, during which the dentist removes the infected pulp tissue, cleans and seals the root canals, and then closes the tooth with a crown or filling. A root-canal-treated tooth can still be saved and used for decades. This is why it is extremely important to see a dentist promptly in the event of toothache, increased sensitivity or spontaneous throbbing pain.
Our dental practice was founded in 2002. Since then, we have performed numerous All-on-4™ implant procedures on middle-aged and older patients. We utilize the innovative solutions we have gained through our experience. We participate in international conferences, trainings and workshops to keep our knowledge up to date.
We are committed to dentistry.
We would like to invite you for a consultation!
Nándor and Carina.
Dr. Carina Nagyi-Panicz
Dentist, All-on-4, Implantology
Dr. Nándor Nagyi
Dentist, Prothetic
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