Tooth cavities are extremely common and can often be repaired with a dental filling. Treatment is usually entirely painless and takes an hour or less to complete.
This guide explains why you may get a cavity and what to expect if you need a dental filling. We describe the materials used to fill teeth and what to expect after filling.
A tooth cavity develops as a result of decay. Dental plaque, a sticky biofilm containing harmful bacteria, continually forms over your teeth. Everyone has dental plaque; most of this substance is removed when brushing and flossing your teeth.
The bacteria in dental plaque use leftover food particles for energy and produce acid as a byproduct. The acid attacks your tooth enamel, the hard outer coating of a tooth, and gradually weakens it. Over time, your tooth enamel becomes so thin that the bacteria can penetrate the enamel, getting inside the tooth.
Underneath tooth enamel is dentin. This is much softer than tooth enamel and more easily destroyed by bacteria. Eventually, a cavity or hole in a tooth will form.
Initially, a cavity can be entirely painless. However, you may notice a tooth feels increasingly sensitive to temperature changes or that it begins to hurt when you bite down or is painful at other times.
If you look at the tooth, you might see a dark spot on the enamel where a cavity has formed. Although a dark spot can look tiny, the opening in your tooth enamel can hide a much larger cavity underneath.
See your dentist for a proper dental exam if you have noticed a tooth is uncomfortable. They can visually examine your teeth and test your tooth enamel for soft spots. Dental X-rays identify where a cavity has begun to form. These images can be especially useful when areas are hidden from view, such as the contact areas between your teeth.
If you have a cavity, your dentist can discuss how to repair the tooth with a filling. They will also discuss which type of filling material is most appropriate.
Several types of filling materials are available, which include:
Although amalgam used to be the most popular filling material, times have changed. Nowadays, many dental offices do not provide amalgam fillings since they are highly visible and contain mercury.
Additionally, other more modern materials are available that can successfully mend teeth. However, amalgam is a cost-effective material that can be appropriate in some circumstances.
This is one of the most popular filling materials and has largely replaced amalgam. It can successfully mend small to medium-sized cavities, repairing them nearly invisibly. Your dentist can select a shade of composite resin that is close to your natural tooth color and which will blend in beautifully.
Glass ionomer fillings repair cavities affecting exposed tooth roots. They are not as strong as tooth-colored composite resin but can be useful in certain circumstances. These fillings can release fluoride slowly, helping to harden the area they repair.
A tooth-colored porcelain filling is also called an inlay or onlay. These fillings are suitable for larger cavities where a composite resin filling isn’t strong enough.
This filling is slightly different since it must be made outside the mouth and requires a dental impression. Some dentists have the technology to make an inlay or onlay while you wait. Otherwise, you will get a temporary filling, and your new porcelain inlay or onlay will be fitted and bonded to your tooth during your next visit.
These fillings are very strong, durable, and quite beautiful. They also last a long time, much longer than tooth-colored composite resin, but they are more expensive.
A gold alloy filling is also called an inlay or onlay. It is also made outside the mouth and requires a dental impression and a second appointment to bond it onto the tooth.
Although a gold filling is more visible, it is extremely durable and long-lasting. Gold alloy is useful because it will not wear down or damage opposing teeth. However, like a porcelain filling, a gold alloy filling is more expensive. The price can depend on the current price of gold.
There are several steps involved in having a dental filling. These steps are described below.
Dental fillings are an excellent restorative treatment. They can preserve and protect the maximum amount of healthy tooth and prevent further infection and decay.
If you are concerned about a tooth, it’s always better to see your dentist sooner rather than later. The sooner they can treat tooth decay, the more of the tooth they can preserve. There is also a reduced risk of requiring lengthier treatment like root canal therapy.
Cavity fillings are quick, with minimal recovery time. Following post-treatment care is essential for proper healing. Regular check-ups at Century Medical & Dental Center can help maintain your oral health. If you have any concerns after the procedure, contact your dentist for guidance.
SHARE THIS POST Page Updated on Apr 10, 2025 by Dr. Dvorkina (Primary Care Doctor) of Century Medical & Dental CenterCentury Medical and Dental Center is an accredited healthcare facility in NY that operates in accordance with Article 28, a public health law. This law regulates and recognizes accreditation for public healthcare facilities, ensuring they are licensed and operated correctly. By undergoing the Article 28 process and achieving accreditation, Century Medical and Dental Center demonstrates its commitment to meeting the highest standards of care.
As a multidisciplinary medical center, we have highly qualified doctors, nurses, and support staff who are working hard to provide the best medical care to patients in Midtown Manhattan, NY, Downtown Brooklyn, NY, including Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, Prospect Heights, Park Slope, Clinton Hill, Boerum Hill, Red Hook, Harlem, Gravesneck, Flatbush, and Bedford-Stuyvesant.
