(II) Restoration — No. 08
Restorative Dentistry
The best filling is the one nobody notices.
Repairing decayed, broken or worn teeth while keeping as much of the natural tooth as possible.
At a glance
- Sessions
- Mostly one
- Duration
- 30–60 min per filling
- Anaesthesia
- Local, if needed
- Daily life
- Same day
Durations and visit counts are typical values; they vary from person to person and become clear after an examination.
Restorative dentistry puts back what a tooth has lost. Cleaning out decay, completing a broken corner or rebuilding a worn surface — this is its work.
Modern filling materials match the colour of the tooth and work by bonding to it. That means less healthy tissue is removed, and the repair can imitate the tooth’s own form and texture.
A small repair made early protects a tooth from larger treatment later. That is why we think of restorative care together with prevention.
Who it is for
- Teeth with diagnosed decay
- Broken or worn teeth
- Old, stained or leaking fillings
- Wear or sensitivity at the neck of a tooth
Options
- 01
Composite filling
A tooth-coloured repair that bonds to the tooth, done in one visit.
- 02
Inlays and onlays
For larger losses: a porcelain or composite piece made in the laboratory.
- 03
Bonding
Closing small chips and gaps with very little contact with the tooth.
- 04
Fibre post and core
Strengthening a root-treated tooth with heavy loss before a crown.
The process
Detection
Decay or damage is found with an examination and the X-rays you need.
Cleaning
Decayed tissue is removed, under local anaesthesia if needed.
Repair
Tooth-coloured material is built up layer by layer and cured.
Finishing
The bite is checked, the surface shaped and polished.
—The Dent BB approach
We repair a tooth faithful to its own anatomy: its cusps, its grooves, the texture that breaks the light.
Honest expectations
- Fillings can wear or stain over time and may need renewing.
- With very large losses, an inlay, onlay or crown may last better than a filling.
- Short-lived sensitivity can follow treatment.
Aftercare
- Brush twice a day and clean between the teeth
- Cut down how often you have sugary and acidic food and drink
- A check-up every six months
Frequently asked
Should I replace my amalgam fillings?
Sound, trouble-free amalgam fillings don't always need replacing for looks alone. If there is a fracture, leakage or decay, replacement is planned.
Are white fillings strong?
Modern composites are made for everyday chewing. For very large losses, laboratory-made restorations may be recommended.
When can I eat after a filling?
Composite fillings are cured during the visit, so you can eat as soon as the anaesthetic has worn off.
This page is for information. A diagnosis and a treatment plan require an examination.