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Written by Dr. Cheng Eng Wah
Dental fillings are a type of restorative dental treatment that is used to repair tooth decay and fractures. To do this, dentists remove the decayed parts of the tooth and fill the hole with a filling material.
There are two types of dental fillings: direct and indirect. At i.Dental, we offer composite resin and glass ionomer direct fillings as well as inlay and onlay indirect fillings. Learn more about the different types, the procedure and costs below!
Before a dental filling is done, the dentist will remove the decayed parts of your tooth. The filling material will then be placed in to seal the hole caused by the decay.
This prevents decay progression and bacteria from building up in the cavity, removing the risk of infections and further damage.
Dental fillings will give your tooth the support it needs. By filling the cavity, the tooth structure is strengthened and this reduces the risk of breakage. In addition, the function of your tooth will be improved, restoring your ability to chew and grind food properly.
Tooth decay is naturally black in colour. Thus, when you have tooth decay, it may seem like you have a black tooth which may not be presentable.
Tooth fillings, specifically composite resin and glass ionomer materials, are tooth-coloured and will help restore your teeth colour.
Dental fillings such as glass ionomer fillings release fluoride over time and help prevent cavities in the surrounding area.
Direct dental fillings refer to restorations done inside the mouth during a single appointment. This is usually achievable for areas with minor decay.
i.Dental offers composite resin and glass ionomer fillings. Each material has its unique characteristics and lifespan and is typically used for different types of cases.
Composite resin fillings are synthetic resins made of a mix of quartz, ceramic particles and acrylic resin.
These are tooth-coloured and come in different shades to allow the dentist to blend one that fits your natural tooth colour.
Additionally, it requires less enamel removal so you can preserve most of your natural tooth structure.
Mainly used for:
Lasts for: 5 – 10 years
Glass ionomer fillings are made of silicate glass powder and acrylic. This is a tooth-coloured option that acts as a protective sealant for the tooth.
Mainly used for:
Lasts for: Up to 5 years
Composite resin fillings are synthetic resins made of a mix of quartz, ceramic particles and acrylic resin.
These are tooth-coloured and come in different shades to allow the dentist to blend one that fits your natural tooth colour.
Additionally, it requires less enamel removal so you can preserve most of your natural tooth structure.
Mainly used for:
Lasts for: 5 – 10 years
Glass ionomer fillings are made of silicate glass powder and acrylic. This is a tooth-coloured option that acts as a protective sealant for the tooth.
Mainly used for:
Lasts for: Up to 5 years
Indirect fillings are constructed in a lab then placed on the tooth and cemented in place. This type of dental filling is usually used for extensive tooth decay or if the tooth structure is not strong enough to support a dental filling, but not serious enough to need a dental crown.
i.Dental provides inlays and outlays as indirect restorations. Our dentists will advise a suitable type of filling based on the extent of your tooth decay.
Inlays are placed in between the cusps* of the tooth. This is used when cavities are concentrated in the centre of your tooth and are not as extensive yet.
Lasts for: 20 – 30 years
Onlays are placed on top of one or more cusps. Sometimes known as partial crowns, they are used when damage is extensive and restoration is required for almost the entire chewing surface.
Lasts for: 20 – 30 years
*Cusps are elevated or raised points on the ends of teeth.
During your consultation, the dentist will determine the location of the decay. If necessary, an X-ray may be taken.
From there, the dentist will be able to advise on the filling material options.
Most dental fillings can be done without local anaesthesia.
For deep cavities or hypersensitive teeth, you may be given local anaesthetic to make the treatment more comfortable.
When you are ready, the dentist will remove any decayed or damaged parts of your tooth.
A dental dam may be placed over the tooth to aid the filling procedure.
Next, the dentist will clean and prepare your tooth to be filled.
Once the tooth is prepped, the dentist will place the filling on your tooth. It is then shaped to fit well and any excess will be polished away.
Cost of Direct Fillings (Tooth-coloured):
Cost of Indirect Fillings (Inlays and Onlays):
Note: Prices are not inclusive of scaling and polishing.
Patients are advised to consult our dentists prior to the start of the procedure for an exact quote.
Dental filling procedures are eligible for CHAS, Merdeka Generation and Pioneer Generation subsidies, with the exception of CHAS Orange Card tier. Here are the subsidy amounts available:
| Types of Treatments Available for Subsidy | CHAS Orange Subsidy | CHAS Blue Subsidy | Merdeka Generation (MG) Subsidy | Pioneer Generation (PG) Subsidy | Claim Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fillings (simple) | $0 | $30 | $35 | $40 | Up to 6 fillings per calendar year^^ |
| Fillings (complex) | $0 | $50 | $50 | $60 | Up to 6 fillings per calendar year^^ |
Dental insurance can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for dental fillings. However, this depends on the coverage listed in your policy. Check with your insurance provider if you’re unsure whether dental fillings procedures are covered under your policy.
Some companies may also offer dental benefits through their group insurance policy. You can always check with your HR department to see what treatments are claimable.
Established in 1989, i.Dental’s team of dentists has over 30 years of experience. We are committed to helping our patients achieve a healthy smile.
i.Dental has 4 clinics conveniently located a short walking distance from Tanjong Pagar, Ubi and Yishun MRTs.
You may have a cavity and need a dental filling if you experience any of the following symptoms:
In such cases, book an appointment with your dentist to prevent the cavity from worsening.
You are advised to consult a dentist so they can check your teeth and recommend a suitable type of filling if required.
Additionally, it is a good habit to visit the dentist regularly to treat any oncoming cavities early. This reduces the risk of developing tooth decay and prevents the need for dental fillings.
Yes! Once you have a cavity, you should get treatment as soon as possible. The damage to your tooth that is caused by decay is irreversible and will only continue to spread.
The more serious the decay is, the more complex the problem. If left untreated, the small hole may grow and cause inflammation in the dental pulp nerves. In such cases, you may require a root canal or extraction. Thus, it is best to treat a cavity as soon as possible!
Some patients may report slight but bearable discomfort when fillings are done. The pain level is dependent on your pain tolerance and extent of decay. However, it is quite rare to experience intense pain.
If you are concerned about the pain, you may opt for local anaesthetic to numb the area before the procedure is done.
Local anaesthetic may be used before a filling is done. Thus, you may experience numbness after the procedure for 1 to 2 hours.
After the numbness wears off, you may notice the following effects:
These effects may last up to 2 weeks, depending on the extent of the decay.
There is no need to avoid brushing teeth after a dental filling! In fact, you need to brush your teeth as per normal. Just ensure that you brush and floss gently and carefully around the tooth.
If local anaesthetic was administered, you may feel numbness for 1 to 2 hours after the procedure. It is advised to only start eating after the numbness has subsided to prevent biting your cheek by accident.
Also, note that it is normal to experience some soreness and sensitivity for up to 2 weeks after the procedure. Some other tips to note:
Generally, this is how long each type of dental filling lasts:
Note that the maintenance of dental fillings is as important as maintaining good oral hygiene. You are advised to schedule annual scaling and polishing appointments, brush teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
If your filling has cracked or fallen out, call your dentist immediately to get it fixed as soon as possible.
Dental fillings can last for many years, depending on the type of filling and your level of maintenance. When a filling wears out, the gap may allow bacteria to accumulate and cause another decay.
Some common signs that a dental filling needs to be replaced include:
When the above happen, schedule an appointment with your dentist to replace the filling as soon as possible.
