Dental Filling Treatment by Ashford Dental

When a tooth sustains damage through decay, wear or trauma it needs to be restored. The objective is to re-establish the original morphology (shape and structure) of the tooth thereby restoring it to normal function and pleasing aesthetics.

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What is Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a common procedure used to restore teeth damaged by decay or cavities. The treatment involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the space with durable materials like composite resin, amalgam or ceramic. Dental fillings not only repair structural damage but also prevent further decay by sealing off bacteria-prone areas. In Singapore, dental fillings are a popular choice for maintaining oral health and preventing the need for more extensive treatments like crowns or root canals. Regular check-ups ensure early detection, helping you preserve your natural smile.

Common Symptoms That Indicate You May Need a Filling

Some signs that may suggest you need a dental filling include:

  • Toothache or persistent pain
  • Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
  • Pain when biting or chewing
  • Visible holes, pits or dark spots on teeth
  • Rough or chipped tooth edges
  • Food frequently getting stuck in a specific tooth

A dental examination and X-rays are usually required to confirm whether a filling is needed.

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Types of Dental Fillings Available in Singapore

There are several types of dental fillings used in modern dentistry. The best option depends on the location of the tooth, extent of damage, aesthetic needs and budget.

Composite Resin Fillings

Composite fillings are tooth-coloured fillings made from a resin material that blends naturally with your teeth. They are highly popular in Singapore due to their aesthetic appeal.

Advantages:

  • Matches natural tooth colour
  • Ideal for front and visible teeth
  • Bonds well to tooth structure

Considerations:

  • Slightly less durable than metal fillings
  • May wear faster on large back teeth

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin and copper.

Advantages:

  • Very strong and long-lasting
  • Cost-effective
  • Suitable for molars that endure heavy chewing forces

Considerations:

  • Silver colour is visible
  • Less commonly used today due to aesthetic concerns

Ceramic (Porcelain) Fillings

Ceramic fillings are made from porcelain and are custom-made in a dental laboratory.

Advantages:

  • Highly aesthetic and stain-resistant
  • Durable and long-lasting

Considerations:

  • Higher cost compared to composite fillings
  • Usually requires more than one visit

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are often used for children or for fillings near the gum line.

Advantages:

  • Releases fluoride to help prevent further decay
  • Bonds well to teeth

Considerations:

  • Less durable than composite or ceramic
  • More prone to wear over time

Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are rare but extremely durable restorations.

Advantages:

  • Long lifespan
  • Excellent strength

Considerations:

  • High cost
  • Very noticeable appearance

Our Dental Fillings Treatment Expert Dentists

Dr. Hardev Singh

Clinical Director
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Dr. Cindy Ho

Senior Associate Dental Surgeon
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Dr. Saba Raza

Senior Associate Dental Surgeon
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Ashford Dental Centre

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Dental Filling Procedure

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

The lifespan of a dental filling depends on the material used and oral hygiene habits:

  • Composite fillings: 5–7 years
  • Amalgam fillings: 10–15 years
  • Ceramic fillings: 10–15 years
  • Gold fillings: 15–20 years or more

Regular dental check-ups can help detect wear or damage early.

  • Prevents further tooth decay
  • Avoids more invasive procedures
  • Restores normal chewing function
  • Improves appearance and confidence
  • Reduces long-term dental costs

Early treatment is always more conservative and cost-effective.

Proper aftercare helps extend the life of your filling:

  • Avoid eating until numbness wears off
  • Limit hard or sticky foods initially
  • Maintain good oral hygiene
  • Brush twice daily and floss regularly
  • Visit your dentist for routine check-ups

Mild sensitivity after the procedure is normal and usually resolves within a few days.

Why Choose Ashford?

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Filling Treatment in Singapore

What is the duration of a dental filling's effectiveness?

There are various materials that can be used to make dental fillings. The duration of a filling’s longevity varies based on the type used, lasting anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Dental fillings typically do not endure forever, therefore maintaining routine dental appointments can assist in identifying when a filling may need to be exchanged.

Does getting a dental filling cause pain?

Although getting a cavity filled may cause some discomfort due to nervousness, it is very unlikely that you will feel pain. Before giving you a numbing injection like lidocaine that numbs the area being treated, your dentist might apply a numbing gel to your gums to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure.

What is the most effective dental filling?

Composite fillings are a popular choice as they can closely resemble the color of your teeth. Nevertheless, composite fillings come at a higher cost compared to silver amalgam fillings and do not have the same level of longevity. Porcelain is used to create ceramic fillings, which are both aesthetically appealing and long-lasting.

What is the maximum number of times a tooth can be filled?

There isn’t a specific limit on how often a filling can be replaced. Typically, we will discontinue the replacement of the dental filling once the cavity grows too big. When the amount of filling material in your tooth exceeds the amount of natural tooth material, the tooth loses its strength.

Does it hurt the day after getting a filling?

Normally, any uneasiness should lessen within one or two days. If you continue to experience sensitivity and pain days after your filling, it could be because of a problem with the filling or the tooth. A frequent cause of tooth pain following a filling is when the filling affects how your teeth come together.

Is it okay to have a meal following a dental filling?

Once a dentist applies a blue UV light on your tooth, a composite filling quickly becomes solid. Typically, you can eat right after you depart from your dentist’s office. Nevertheless, it is possible that your dentist will suggest waiting a minimum of 2 hours before you start chewing on the filling if you are still feeling numb.

Is a root canal necessary after getting a filling?

Sometimes, following a restoration, a tooth may lose its vitality and need to undergo a root canal procedure. Each time a filling is inserted or renewed, the pulp (nerve and blood supply) is subjected to trauma. Several factors can contribute to this trauma.

Are tooth fillings considered to be secure?

Elevated levels of exposure to mercury vapor can have negative impacts on both the brain and the kidneys. Research has shown that there is no connection between amalgam fillings and health issues, and the FDA deems them to be safe for adults and children aged 6 and older.

What is the typical number of fillings?

Adults in their middle years usually require 6 to 10 cavity fillings on average. Older adults may need additional fillings because of issues such as age-related dental concerns, receding gums, and extended exposure to dental cavities.

Does a tooth filling last forever?

A dental filling is frequently chosen as a way to address this highly prevalent dental problem. Placing a filling is a simple procedure that effectively addresses tooth decay. Even though the treatment is long-lasting and cannot be undone, it is not forever; a filling will probably have to be changed eventually.

What is the duration of fillings?

Fillings composed of metal or gold substances are recognized for their durability lasting over 20 years. Conversely, newer materials like porcelain are also expected to have a long lifespan, but usually not exceeding 10 years.

Is a root canal superior to a filling?

A filling is effective in addressing small cavities and dental issues, but a root canal is necessary if the infection has spread to the pulp. The pulp, which has blood vessels and nerves, is removed during a nearby root canal procedure, the tooth is filled, and a crown is typically placed afterward.

Is it okay to clean my teeth after getting a filling?

It is crucial to refrain from brushing the filled tooth right after the filling, but you can slowly start brushing gently after 24 hours. Don’t forget to use a toothbrush with soft bristles, pay attention to the filled area, and maintain regular oral hygiene habits.

Dental Filling Treatment Cost in Singapore

The cost of dental fillings at our clinic in Singapore varies based on the type of filling material used and the complexity of the procedure. To help manage these costs, we offer various financing options, including insurance coverage, Medisave claims, and the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) subsidies for eligible Singaporeans. Additionally, Ashford provides flexible in-house installment plans, allowing you to choose financial options tailored to your needs. For more details, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Visit Our Dental Clinics

The Ashford Group has 4 strategically located dental clinic facilities islandwide across Singapore, in Thomson, Serangoon, Simpang Bedok and Jalan Kayu.

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+65 6690 4691 Ashford Thomson | +65 6690 3163 Ashford Serangoon |
+65 6690 4903 Ashford Bedok





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