When do you need a filling?
- decay (a cavity in the tooth),
- a broken or chipped part of a tooth,
- a leaking, cracked or stained old filling,
- worn tooth necks,
- minor aesthetic flaws on front teeth, which we correct with bonding (more about composite veneers).
Early decay often doesn’t hurt, so it is easiest to detect at an examination with an X-ray (local X-ray).
How we make a high-quality white filling
Composite fillings are bonded to the tooth, so we remove only the damaged or infected part and preserve more healthy tooth structure than with amalgam fillings.
- Rubber dam – a rubber sheet keeps the tooth dry and isolated from saliva. Composite is sensitive to moisture, so we place most fillings under a rubber dam.
- Layering – the material is applied and cured in several layers, which reduces shrinkage and the formation of micro-gaps at the filling margin.
- Composite material – not every white filling is a composite. Composite materials are the most durable and aesthetic of the tooth-coloured materials.
- Laser as an option – for some fillings we can use the Waterlase iPlus laser instead of a drill, which causes no vibration.
Replacing amalgam fillings
Since 1 January 2025, dental amalgam is no longer used in the EU except in exceptional cases. Intact amalgam fillings generally do not need replacing for health reasons. We replace them when they are cracked or leaking, when there is decay underneath or when you want an aesthetic restoration.
Smaller amalgam fillings are replaced with composite. For larger ones, where the tooth is weakened, a ceramic partial crown (inlay, onlay) is the better choice as it further strengthens the tooth.
White spots on teeth – Icon® infiltration
White spots are often early enamel demineralisation, for example after wearing fixed braces. With Icon® infiltration, the porous enamel is filled with a liquid resin that blends the spots and arrests early decay – without drilling and usually in a single visit. We assess at the examination whether the method suits your spots.
When is a filling not enough?
For an extensively destroyed tooth or a tooth after root canal treatment, a filling does not protect the tooth sufficiently from fracture. In such cases we recommend a partial or full ceramic crown.
Price
A composite (white) filling costs from €120. The price depends on the size of the filling and the number of tooth surfaces involved. You will receive the price of Icon® infiltration and partial crowns after the examination. All prices are in our price list.
Who treats you
Fillings are placed by the dentists on our team. Meet the whole team.
Cases
Frequently asked questions
How long does a white filling last?
It depends on the size of the filling, your bite, habits and oral hygiene. A properly placed composite filling can last many years, and regular check-ups catch any problems in time.
Does getting a filling hurt?
Fillings are placed under local anaesthesia, so you feel no pain. For small fillings, anaesthesia is sometimes not needed.
Do I need to replace all my amalgam fillings?
No. Intact amalgam fillings can stay. We replace them when they are damaged or leaking, when there is decay underneath, or at your request.
When can I eat after the procedure?
Composite sets during the procedure, so the tooth can be used immediately. Wait until the anaesthesia wears off before eating so you don’t bite your cheek or lip.
Can the tooth be sensitive after a filling?
The tooth may be sensitive to cold or pressure for a few days, which usually settles on its own. If the sensitivity persists, call us.
Patient reviews
Book an appointment
Call us or send a message using the form – we usually reply within one working day. Phone is the fastest option.