Are Dentists Still Doing Fillings? Your Guide to Modern Cavity Treatment

That nagging question pops up for a lot of people. Are dentists still doing fillings or has modern dentistry moved on to lasers and magic gels that heal cavities overnight? Here is the short answer. Yes, dentists absolutely still do fillings. They are still one of the main ways to fix teeth because they stop decay, restore chewing, and help you keep your own teeth for a long time.

If you have a cavity or think you might, you are not alone. Cavities are very common and fillings are still the main treatment dentists use to fix them. You deserve a simple, friendly walk-through of what fillings are, how they work, what they cost, and how to choose what is right for you. You are in the right place.

In this guide, I will follow a simple “Question – Explain – Guide – Empower” style. I’ll answer your questions, explain things in simple English, guide you through your choices, and finish with clear steps you can take today.

IN THIS ARTICLE

• The Short Answer: Yes Fillings Are Still Standard Care
• What Is a Dental Filling?
• When Do You Need a Filling?
• Types of Dental Fillings Used Today
• What Happens During a Filling Appointment?
• Will It Hurt? Pain Control and Recovery
• Who Does Fillings and When Do You Need a Specialist?
• Cost Insurance and Financial Tips
• How Long Do Fillings Last and How to Care for Them
• Modern Trends and Alternatives
• When a Filling Is Not Enough: Inlays Onlays and Crowns
• Frequently Asked Questions About Fillings
• Your Healthy Takeaway

The Short Answer: Yes Fillings Are Still Standard Care

Question: Do dentists still do fillings?

Explain: Yes, they do. Fillings are the number one way to fix a cavity (tooth decay). Fillings take out the decayed part, restore the tooth’s shape, and stop the infection from getting worse. The basic idea hasn’t changed much even with new tech. Clean out the decay, seal the hole, and rebuild the tooth so you can chew, smile, and not have pain.

Guide: Your dentist may suggest different materials like composite resin, silver amalgam, glass ionomer, porcelain, or gold. The best one depends on where your cavity is, how big it is, your budget, what looks best to you, and your insurance.

Empower: If you think you may have a cavity, don’t wait. Fixing it early usually means a smaller filling, less money, and less time in the dental chair.

Quick reality check with trusted sources:

• The American Dental Association (ADA) supports fillings as a proven, effective way to stop decay.
• The FDA said in 2020 that dental amalgam is safe for most people (adults and kids over 6), while being more careful for certain folks. Many patients prefer mercury-free options like composite resin; your dentist can talk about these with you.

What Is a Dental Filling?

Think of your tooth as a tiny layered shell. The hard outside is enamel. Under that is dentin, which is more sensitive. Inside that is the pulp, which has the nerve and blood supply. When acids from plaque make a hole through the enamel into the dentin, you have a cavity. A dental filling is the fix.

• Definition: A dental filling puts back tooth structure lost to decay or small cracks. The dentist takes out the decayed part, shapes the area, and puts in a material that sticks to the rest of the tooth.
• Purpose: Fillings stop decay, restore strength, and keep food and bacteria from getting trapped. They protect the nerve inside the tooth, so you’re less likely to need a root canal later.
• When needed: Your dentist will tell you to get a filling if a cavity is too deep to fix itself. Sometimes, really early stages can be watched or treated with fluoride and sealants. Once a hole forms, you need a filling.

Analogy: Think of a pothole in the road. If you leave it, it just gets bigger. Fill it early and you’re saving the whole street.

When Do You Need a Filling?

You might notice:

• Sensitivity to sweets, cold, or heat
• A small hole or dark spot on a tooth
• Food getting stuck between your teeth
• A rough or chipped area
• Pain when chewing

But—many cavities have no symptoms until they get bigger. That’s why check-ups and dental X-rays are important. Dentists look in your mouth, use X-rays, and sometimes use special lights or lasers to find early decay. Catching it early means smaller fillings and better results.

If you leave decay, it spreads. You may need a bigger fix like an inlay, onlay, or crown—or even a root canal or tooth pulled. Early treatment is easier, gentler, and cheaper.

Types of Dental Fillings Used Today

Different situations call for different types. Here’s a simple guide to common ones.

Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored Fillings)

• Looks: Composite resin matches your tooth, so it is great for front teeth or places people see. Dentists mix shades to match your smile.
• How it goes in: The dentist cleans your cavity, puts on a bonding glue, and uses a blue light to harden it in layers. It “bonds” to your tooth, which can make it stronger.
• Good things:
• Blends with your tooth color
• Bonds to enamel; can save more of your own tooth
• Works for small to medium cavities, small chips, and even cosmetic bonding
• No mercury, and safe with today’s products
• Downsides:
• Needs more careful work (getting it dry and dentist’s skill matters)
• May wear out faster for big, high-chewing spots
• Costs more than amalgam sometimes
• Best for: Front teeth, small to medium cavities, chips, and if you want best looks

Amalgam (Silver Fillings)

• What it is: A tough metal mix (silver, tin, copper, and mercury joined together).
• Why it’s still used: Lasts long, not expensive, and works better if the tooth is hard to keep dry (like way in the back).
• Safety: The FDA says it’s safe for most adults and kids over 6. They tell people with special health problems or who are pregnant or nursing to talk to their dentist. A lot of people pick composite for a mercury-free choice.
• Good things:
• Lasts long, strong for back teeth
• Costs less than composite
• Downsides:
• The silver color shows (more obvious in back teeth)
• Sometimes needs more drilling than composite
• Best for: Big fillings in your back teeth when you want strength and lower cost

Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)

• What it is: A tooth-colored material that slowly gives off fluoride, which helps stop new decay.
• Where it’s good: On root surfaces, baby teeth, or places where it’s wet or hard to keep dry. Often used as a temporary or in-between fix. Good for children’s teeth.
• Good things:
• Fluoride release
• Sticks to the tooth easily and gently
• Downsides:
• Not as strong as composite or amalgam, wears out sooner
• Best for: Non-chewing surfaces, root cavities, temporary fillings, and some kids’ fillings

Porcelain and Gold (Inlays and Onlays)

When damage is too big for a regular filling but not quite bad enough for a crown, your dentist might suggest a porcelain or gold inlay or onlay, which is made in a lab or with a machine.

• Porcelain/ceramic:
• Looks like enamel and doesn’t stain
• Good for looks and will hold up
• Gold:
• Very strong and gentle on other teeth
• Gold color stands out, so not often for front teeth

These types last 10 to 15 years or more if you take care of them. They cost more than normal fillings. They are great for when you need strength but not a full crown.

Tip: Many inlays and onlays are made in a dental ceramics lab or with a digital dental lab that uses scanning and machines to get them just right.

What Happens During a Filling Appointment?

Knowing what will happen can help you relax. Here are the steps.

Diagnosis and Getting Ready

• Exam and X-rays: Your dentist finds out how big and deep the cavity is. They decide whether a filling is right or if you need an inlay, onlay, or crown.
• Getting numb: You get a small shot to numb the tooth. Usually, a numbing gel goes on first, so the needle feels like a pinch, then you get numb fast.
• Isolation: They might use a rubber dam or cotton to keep the tooth dry, which helps with placing composite fillings.

Taking Out the Decay

The dentist takes out decay with a dental drill or sometimes a laser or air abrasion (a little spray of tiny particles to remove just the bad part). Laser or air abrasion can feel less “buzzy” than a drill. Not all cavities can be fixed this way, but some can.

Placing the Filling

• Cleaning and shaping: Dentist shapes the spot so the filling will lock in and the tooth looks right.
• Bonding: For composite, a glue is put on first, then the dentist builds up layers and hardens each with the blue light.
• Finishing: The dentist shapes the filling so it matches your bite and polishes it until it’s smooth.
• Testing your bite: You bite on paper strips. If it feels high, the dentist can make small changes until it feels natural.

Most fillings take about 20 to 60 minutes per tooth, depending on how big and where it is. If you have a few cavities, you can often get them done at one visit.

Will It Hurt? Pain Control and Recovery

Good news—most fillings don’t hurt.

• During the procedure: The numbing shots block pain. You might feel some pressure, vibration, or water, but not pain. If you do, tell your dentist—they can give more numbing or change things.
• Scared or super nervous? Ask about laughing gas (“nitrous oxide”) or a pill to help you relax. You’ll still be awake, just calmer.
• After the filling: Numbness fades in 1–3 hours. Don’t chew your cheek or tongue! Mild cold or pressure sensitivity is normal for days to weeks, especially with deeper or new composite fillings. Use a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water for a bit. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers if your dentist says it’s okay.
• Eating and drinking: You can drink water right away. Wait until the numbness goes away before eating so you don’t bite your cheek. Composite is hard right away after the blue light. Amalgam (silver) fillings get hard over several hours, so don’t chew on that side that day.

Call your dentist if:

• You have sharp pain when chewing after a week or two
• You feel a cracked or sharp edge
• The bite feels too high

Most of the time, these are easy to fix.

Who Does Fillings and When Do You Need a Specialist?

• General dentists: Most fillings are done by these dentists. They find cavities, talk about options, and fix teeth every day.
• Pediatric dentists: Great for children, especially if your child is nervous or has baby teeth cavities.
• Endodontists: If the cavity has reached the nerve, you may need a root canal. These dentists specialize in that and may rebuild the tooth for a crown after.
• Oral surgeons: These doctors do tooth extractions and surgeries—not regular fillings.
• Dental hygienists: In the U.S., they don’t do fillings. They focus on cleaning teeth, sealants, and gums.

Cost, Insurance, and Money Tips

Prices change depending on what needs fixing, the material, where the tooth is, and how big the filling is.

Typical costs in the U.S.:

• Composite fillings:
• Small to medium (1–2 sides): about $90–$250 per tooth
• Big (3+ sides): about $150–$450
• Amalgam fillings:
• 1–2 sides: about $50–$150
• 3+ sides: about $120–$300
• Porcelain or gold inlays/onlays:
• Around $600–$1,500 or more
• Exam and X-rays: Varies, so ask for a cost breakdown.

Insurance help:

• Most plans call fillings a “basic” treatment and pay a part after your deductible.
• Some plans only pay the cheaper (amalgam) rate for white fillings on back teeth—you’d pay the rest.
• Inlays, onlays, and crowns are often called “major services” with different coverage.

Money tips:

• Ask for a cost estimate before starting.
• Ask about payment plans or discount programs if you don’t have insurance.
• Fix problems when they’re small—small fillings cost less than big repairs.

How Long Do Fillings Last and How to Care for Them

How long do they last?

• Composite: Usually 5–7 years, sometimes 10+ years with good care
• Amalgam: Usually 10–15 years or more, especially in back teeth
• Porcelain or gold inlays/onlays: Usually 10–15 years or more

What affects how long they last?

• How hard you bite or if you grind your teeth
• Size and where the filling is
• Your brushing and eating habits
• Dentist’s skill and keeping things dry
• The type of filling

Signs a filling might need changing:

• New long-lasting sensitivity
• A chip or crack you can see or feel
• Dark lines around the edges
• The filling feels loose or falls out
• Food gets stuck there or floss breaks

How to care for fillings:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day
• Rinse with fluoride if your dentist tells you to
• Ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth
• Don’t skip checkups—dentists look for signs of trouble early

Modern Trends and Alternatives

Dentistry is always getting better. Here are some new things and when they help.

• Save more tooth: Dentists try to take away only what’s needed. They might use tiny tools, air spray, or lasers to take away as little tooth as possible.
• Fluoride and fixing early spots: Very early decay can sometimes be reversed with fluoride varnish, prescription toothpaste, and better home care. But if a hole forms, you still need a filling.
• Dental sealants: Coats the grooves of back teeth to stop cavities. Great for kids—but works in some adults too.
• Mercury-free fillings: Composite and glass ionomer do not have mercury. Lots of offices use them as their first pick.
• Digital and same-day dentistry: Some places can scan your tooth and make a crown, inlay, or onlay while you’re there. It’s fast and fits well.

Sometimes, dentists work with a dental ceramics lab or a digital dental lab to get things right and help the filling/crown look good.

When a Filling Is Not Enough: Inlays, Onlays, and Crowns

Sometimes the cavity or a crack is too big for a simple filling. You might need:

• Inlay: Replaces the top surface between the sides (cusps)
• Onlay: Covers one or more sides for more strength
• Crown: Covers the whole top of the tooth when there’s a lot of damage or after a root canal

These are made to fit your tooth perfectly, usually glued in place. Crowns and bridges are often created by a crown and bridge lab for best fit and long term strength.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fillings

Here are quick answers to questions patients often ask.

• Do general dentists do fillings?

Yes, they do almost all fillings.

• Are fillings painful?

With numbing, you usually only feel buzzing or a little push. If you feel pain or are really worried, you can ask about laughing gas or medicine to help you relax.

• How long does a filling take?

Most take 20–60 minutes. More or bigger fillings take longer.

• Can a small cavity heal without a filling?

Sometimes if it’s just a spot in the enamel, fluoride and better brushing can help. Once there’s a hole, you need a filling.

• Are amalgam (silver) fillings safe?

The FDA says yes for most people (adults, kids 6+). If you want mercury-free, ask about composite or glass ionomer.

• Composite vs. amalgam: Which is better?

Composite looks great and sticks to enamel. Amalgam lasts longer in big, hard-working teeth and costs less. Your dentist will help you decide.

• Difference between a filling and a crown?

Filling fixes part of a tooth. Crown covers the whole visible part. Crowns are for cracks, big fillings, or after root canals.

• When is a filling not enough?

If more than half your tooth is missing or there are cracks, a crown or onlay is better.

• What if a cavity isn’t filled?

Decay spreads, pain gets worse, and you might need a root canal or extraction. Fix it early!

• What to do if my filling falls out?

Call your dentist fast. Keep the area clean. You can use a temp filling kit for a day or two, but see your dentist.

• Why are my teeth sensitive after a filling?

Some sensitivity is normal, especially with deep or back tooth fillings. Should get better in days to weeks. If not, check with your dentist.

• Can a chipped tooth be filled?

Yes! Small chips are often fixed with composite bonding—the same as tooth-colored fillings.

• Can you get multiple fillings at once?

Yes, many people do. Your dentist will work with you to keep you comfortable.

• How often should fillings be checked?

At every dental check-up. Dentists look and may take X-rays sometimes.

• Are porcelain fillings good?

Porcelain inlays and onlays look real, are strong, but cost more and can last longer than direct fillings.

• Are gold fillings still used?

Not a lot these days, but gold inlays and onlays last a long time and are gentle on other teeth.

• What is a core build-up?

It’s a base or extra filling for a badly damaged tooth before a crown goes on.

• Can dentists do fillings without drilling?

Sometimes, air abrasion or lasers can be used for small decay. Not always possible—ask your dentist.

• What is a dental bond?

Bonding is using tooth-colored composite to repair chips, gaps, or small cavities.

• What about BPA in composites?

Modern composites have very little or no BPA (a type of chemical), based on current science. If you are worried, ask your dentist about their materials.

• Who does fillings for kids?

Pediatric dentists and lots of general dentists treat kids. GIC and composite are common choices.

• Can an oral surgeon do fillings?

They mostly do surgeries, not regular fillings.

• Do hygienists do fillings?

In the U.S., hygienists do not do fillings—they help prevent cavities and clean teeth.

• Are dentists doing mercury-free fillings?

Yes—composite and glass ionomer don’t have mercury and are easy to get.

• How do I know if my old filling is failing?

Watch for new sensitivity, dark edges, or rough patches. Dentists can check with an X-ray and by looking in your mouth.

• Can a wisdom tooth cavity be filled?

Sometimes. But if the tooth is hard to reach or partly stuck in the gum, your dentist may suggest taking it out.

• How can I lower sensitivity after a filling?

Use fluoride toothpaste as told. Avoid really hot or cold foods for a few days. If you grind your teeth, try a mouth guard.

• Can a hygienist seal a small pit to avoid a filling?

Sealants protect from future decay but don’t fix existing holes. Your dentist will decide the best move for a pit.

Simple Science Snapshot: Why Fillings Work

Cavities happen when acid eats through the enamel, down into the dentin. Bacteria make the hole worse. A filling removes the bad part and seals the spot, so bacteria can’t keep going toward the nerve. Fillings “lock the door” and let your other enamel stay healthy.

Prevention: Keep Future Fillings At Bay

Good home habits and regular checkups will help protect you from new cavities.

At home:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes
• Floss or use dental picks once a day
• Use a fluoride rinse if your dentist says so
• Don’t snack all day, especially on sticky sweets or soda
• Drink water (with fluoride, if you can)

Professional care:

• Go for checkups and cleanings as your dentist tells you
• Ask about sealants for deep grooves in your teeth
• Use special high-fluoride toothpaste if you keep getting cavities
• Fix dry mouth if you have it, because less spit means more decay

If you grind or clench your teeth:

• A custom night guard can stop cracks and filling wear

How to Choose the Right Filling Material

Here’s a simple chart for your talk with the dentist.

• Front tooth cavity or small chip:

Composite resin usually looks great and sticks well

• Small to medium cavity in a molar:

Composite or amalgam both work. Composite matches your tooth. Amalgam is strong and less expensive

• Large cavity with big chewing needs:

Onlay or crown (porcelain, zirconia, or gold) for strong repairs

• Root surface cavity or baby tooth:

Glass ionomer is good because it adds fluoride

Ask about:

• How hard you bite and if you grind your teeth
• Can the dentist keep it dry (important for composite)
• The cost and what insurance pays
• How long each filling can last

A Few Numbers That Put Fillings in Perspective

These facts are from public health records and what dentists see every day:

• About 90% of adults have had at least one cavity by age 20
• Around 1 in 4 adults has tooth decay that’s not fixed
• Around 43% of kids and teens (2–19) have had a cavity in their baby or adult teeth
• Composite fillings often last 5–7 years and can go past 10 years
• Amalgam fillings often last 10–15 years or longer
• Porcelain and gold inlays or onlays can last 10–15 years or more if you care for them

Cavities are common. Fillings work!

Finding the Right Dental Team

You want a dentist who listens, explains your options in simple words, and respects what you want. Ask friends or check reviews. Make sure the office uses good, modern materials and goes over costs before starting. A good dentist can help you pick between composite, amalgam, glass ionomer, or a lab-made inlay/onlay/crown with confidence.

If you need a tooth rebuilt, your dentist may work with a team like:

• A dental ceramics lab for good-looking porcelain inlays and onlays that match enamel
• A digital dental lab for accurate, computer-made fillings or crowns—sometimes made same-day
• A crown and bridge lab for strong, long-term crowns and bridges
• A night guard dental lab for custom guards that protect your teeth at night

Your Next Steps: From Question to Confidence

So, are dentists still doing fillings? Yes—and for good reason. Fillings are a safe, reliable way to stop decay and save teeth. Modern materials mean they can also look good, not just work well.

Here’s your simple action plan:

• Book a dental check if it’s been more than six months or you think you have a cavity
• Ask about all the right options for your tooth and budget
• Fix small problems early so you avoid bigger, pricier fixes
• Use fluoride, eat right, and floss every day to protect your dental work
• If you clench or grind your teeth, get a night guard

You got this! The goal: keep your teeth healthy, pain-free, and strong so you can eat, smile, and live without worry.

Helpful note on today’s dental care:

• Many dentists and labs partner to make lifelike porcelain restorations—dental ceramics lab
• For digital scanning and accurate fitting, a digital dental lab may be used
• Crowns and bridges are often made with great fit by a crown and bridge lab
• Custom night guards are often made in a special lab to protect teeth and fillings

Main safety reminder:

• The ADA and FDA give good advice on dental materials and what’s safe. Talk with your dentist about your health history and any worries.
• If you’re not sure or concerned, just ask. Good dental care is a team effort and your comfort is important!