Dental Fillings in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay. When a cavity forms, part of the tooth is lost and a hole is left behind. A filling clears the decayed tissue, cleans the space and fills it with a solid material that restores the shape of the tooth so you can bite and chew normally again.
A filling deals with the damage while it is still small. A cavity tends to grow deeper over time, and catching it early keeps the repair simple. Treating decay before it reaches the nerve is the point of a timely filling, and the dentist aims to restore the tooth with the smallest treatment that will hold.
Who needs a filling
You may need a filling if a check-up or an X-ray has shown a cavity, even when the tooth feels comfortable. Decay is often quiet in its early stages, which is why routine dental visits find many cavities early, while the repair is straightforward.
Signs that may point to decay include:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food and drink
- A dull ache or a sharp twinge when you bite
- A visible hole, pit or dark mark on a tooth
- Food repeatedly catching in the same spot
- A rough or chipped edge you can feel with your tongue
- A loose or worn older filling
Some of these can have other causes, so they are reasons to be examined. A dentist confirms decay by looking at the tooth and, where helpful, taking an X-ray to see between and beneath the teeth, then explains what the tooth needs.
What happens
Most fillings are done in a single visit. The dentist first numbs the area with a local anaesthetic so the work stays comfortable. Where a cavity is small and shallow, some fillings are placed with the tooth left as it is, and the dentist confirms your comfort throughout.
Once the area is numb, the dentist clears the decayed part of the tooth and cleans the space to leave a sound surface behind. The prepared space is then filled. Tooth-coloured composite is the material used most often, because it bonds to the tooth and matches the colour of the surrounding enamel. Composite is placed in layers and set firm before the next layer is added. Other filling materials remain useful in some situations, and your dentist will explain which is suitable for the tooth being treated.
When the space is filled, the dentist shapes the material to match the natural contour of the tooth, then checks how it meets the teeth above or below when you bite. Any high spots are smoothed down so the bite feels even, and the surface is polished so the tooth feels natural again.
Preparing for it
A filling needs little preparation. Eat normally beforehand, as numbness afterwards can make chewing awkward for a while. Tell your dentist about your medical history and any medicines you take. If you feel anxious about dental treatment, mention it when you arrange the appointment, as knowing what to expect helps and the team can work at a pace that suits you.
Bring details of any dental insurance you hold so cover can be checked before the work begins, and the team will guide you through what to expect.
Afterwards
You can usually return to your day straight after a filling. Where a local anaesthetic was used, the numbness may last a few hours. Take care while the area is still numb, and it is sensible to wait until feeling returns before eating on that side.
Some sensitivity to hot and cold in the treated tooth is common for a short period afterwards, and it usually settles on its own. A newly filled tooth can also feel slightly unfamiliar for a little while as you get used to it.
Contact the dentist if you have:
- Sharp or lasting pain when you bite, which may mean the filling needs adjusting
- Sensitivity that increases rather than eases, or that lingers
- A filling that feels high, rough or loose
- Throbbing pain that keeps you awake, or swelling around the tooth
Swelling, or pain that builds rather than fades, can be a sign that the decay reached deeper than first seen, and the dentist will re-examine the tooth and advise the next step. Reaching out early lets the team put things right quickly.
Keeping a filled tooth well
A filled tooth benefits from the same care as the rest of your mouth. Brushing twice a day, cleaning between the teeth and keeping up regular check-ups all help a filling last and help the dentist spot anything that needs attention while it is still minor.
Regular check-ups matter after a tooth has been filled as much as before. At each visit the dentist reviews existing fillings alongside the rest of your teeth, so any change is caught early and dealt with simply. Booking your next check-up keeps your treated teeth under a watchful eye.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Does getting a filling hurt?
A local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth first, so most people feel pressure rather than pain during the work. Small, shallow fillings are sometimes done with the tooth left as it is. Mild sensitivity for a short time afterwards is normal and usually settles on its own, and the dentist checks your comfort at each step.
How long does a filling take?
Most fillings are completed in a single visit, and a straightforward one takes a short appointment. A larger cavity, or several teeth treated together, takes longer. The dentist will give you an idea of the time once the tooth has been examined.
Are tooth-coloured fillings available?
Yes. Tooth-coloured composite is the material used most often, as it bonds to the tooth and matches the shade of the surrounding enamel. Other materials remain useful in some situations, and the dentist will advise which suits the tooth being repaired.
Can I eat after a filling?
You can eat once any numbness has worn off, which keeps your cheek and tongue safe. If sensitivity lingers, chewing on the other side for a day or two can be more comfortable. The dentist will let you know if anything about the treated tooth calls for extra care.
How long does a filling last?
Fillings serve well for years. Over time they can wear, chip or loosen at the edges, and fresh decay can form around them, so a filling may eventually call for replacing. Regular check-ups let the dentist spot a filling that is wearing and renew it before it causes pain.
Why might I need a crown or root canal instead of a filling?
A filling repairs a cavity and restores the tooth. Where a cavity is very large and much of the tooth is missing, a crown that caps and protects the whole tooth gives a stronger repair, and where decay or injury has reached the nerve, root canal treatment restores the tooth. The dentist examines how much of the tooth is affected and recommends the option that restores it best, explaining why.
What if too little tooth remains to hold a filling?
When a large cavity leaves only a little sound tooth, the dentist looks for the repair that will hold and protect what remains, which is often a crown capping the whole tooth. The dentist explains the choice and the reason for it, so you understand how the tooth will be restored.
Do baby teeth need fillings?
Decay in baby teeth can cause pain and infection and can affect the adult teeth forming beneath, so filling a decayed baby tooth is often worthwhile. The dentist examines the child and advises whether a filling or another approach is the right step for that tooth.
What happens if I leave a cavity for a while?
A cavity tends to grow deeper over time. Treating decay while it is small keeps the repair simple, while deeper decay may call for a crown or root canal to restore the tooth. The dentist advises the treatment that best protects the tooth at the stage it has reached.
How much does a filling cost, and does insurance cover it?
The cost of a filling depends on the size of the cavity, the tooth involved and the material used. UAE insurance plans vary in the dental cover they include, so it is worth checking your policy before treatment. Our team can help you understand what your cover includes; contact us on 06 599 7777 to confirm your cover before your appointment.
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