What is a dental filling?

Your dental professional can use a dental filling to fix a cavity (hole), in a tooth. You may need a filling if you have tooth decay or damage to one or more of your teeth. When you have an x-ray, you may find out there is damage inside a tooth.

What types of filling are there?

Dental professionals can use various materials to fill a cavity (hole) in your tooth. Your dental professional will tell you which is suitable for you.

Composite resin

Composite resin is a white or tooth-coloured material. Your dental professional can match it to the colour of your other teeth. They will bond (glue) the composite resin filling material to your tooth. A small amount of your old tooth is removed when getting a composite filling.

Glass-ionomer cement

Glass-ionomer cement is also white or tooth-coloured. It is not as strong as composite resin. If you need a temporary filling your dental professional might use glass-ionomer cement. It has many other uses too such as fissure sealing.

Gold and porcelain

Gold and porcelain are long-lasting fillings. Your dental professional can match a porcelain filling to the colour of your other teeth. Gold fillings are very strong and long-lasting. They are sometimes used for molar teeth.

You will need 2 appointments to get a gold or porcelain filling. These fillings are made in a dental laboratory to fit your tooth.

Temporary fillings

Your dental professional may decide to do a temporary filling.

You may need a temporary filling when:

• your tooth needs treatment over two or more sessions
• there is not enough time to complete your treatment in one visit
• you need emergency dental treatment
• your tooth cavity needs protection between root canal treatment appointments

The temporary filling will be replaced by a permanent filling to complete your dental treatment.

Amalgam

Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals. It includes silver, copper, tin, mercury and zinc. It's a very strong filling material, which dental professionals have been using for more than 150 years.

Amalgam fillings have become less common in recent years. If you already have amalgam fillings you shouldn't need to have them replaced. Your dental professional will tell you if there is a specific reason to do so.

One downside is that your dental professional may need to cut away part of your tooth to help the amalgam filling stay in place. Also, your body can absorb a small amount of mercury from the filling. Amalgam is safe and effective to use for most people, and is supported by the Australian Dental Association.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have kidney disease, your dental professional may choose a different material. Amalgam is not commonly used in children.

What should I expect after my dental filling?

After you have a filling, your tooth might feel more sensitive when you:

• eat something sweet
• eat something hot or cold
• bite your teeth together

You should see your dental professional again if your tooth is still sensitive after a few days.

Dental fillings do not last forever. They can become chipped or worn or change colour over time. Your dental professional will tell you if you need to replace old or discoloured fillings.

What are the benefits and risks of a dental filling?

A filling is usually a simple treatment for tooth decay. It might make the tooth sensitive for a short time. Over time, fillings may chip or crack, allowing food and bacteria to become trapped. Visit your dental professional for regular check-ups.

Resources and Support

• Find out more about how to care for your teeth at teeth.org.au.
• Learn more about the safety of amalgam fillings.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English? The Australian Dental Association has developed factsheets on dental topics in other languages. These are Arabic, Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified, Greek, Punjabi and Vietnamese.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.