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Dental Fillings: Materials, Process and How Long They Last
Dental fillings repair cavities and some types of tooth damage by replacing lost tooth structure with a suitable material. They help protect the rest of the tooth and support normal chewing. The common types of dental fillings are tooth-coloured composite resin, amalgam and glass-ionomer cement. Ceramic or gold restorations, made outside the mouth, may suit larger cavities.
Each material differs in appearance, strength, placement, cost, and upkeep. Your dentist makes the decision based on the size and position of the damage, the condition of the tooth, and your preferences. At Marsfield Dental Care, the restorations offered include composite resin fillings, ceramic restorations, and gold restorations. [CONFIRM: The practice does not place new amalgam fillings.]
The Australian Government’s healthdirect guide to dental fillings gives a general overview. This guide covers when fillings are needed, how the materials compare, the procedure, how long fillings last and what affects the cost.
What are dental fillings, and when are they needed?
A dental filling replaces tooth structure lost to decay, chipping or wear, so the tooth can keep working and is protected from further damage. Fillings suit teeth that can still be properly repaired. When damage is extensive or the nerve inside the tooth is inflamed or infected, a crown, root canal treatment, or another option may be needed instead.
Common reasons for fillings
- Cavities caused by decay.
- Small chips and fractures.
- Worn surfaces where repair is needed.
- Damaged or leaking old fillings.
- Gaps or decay around existing fillings.
- Temporary protection between appointments.
How your dentist decides
Your dentist examines the tooth, asks about symptoms, checks existing fillings and takes X-rays where needed. They look at the size of the cavity, the surrounding enamel and dentine, and the health of the pulp, which is the nerve inside the tooth.
When a filling may not be needed
Some early enamel decay can be managed without drilling, using fluoride, better cleaning and monitoring. Old or discoloured fillings don’t automatically need replacing.
When a filling may not be enough
Extensive damage, deep cracks, or an inflamed or infected nerve may require a crown, root canal treatment, or, if the tooth can’t be restored, extraction.
| Dental condition | Treatment to discuss | Qualification |
| Early enamel decay | Prevention and monitoring | Depends on whether decay is active |
| Small cavity | Filling | The tooth must be restorable |
| Chipped tooth | Composite repair | Depends on location |
| Large old filling | Review, repair or replace | Not all need replacing |
| Extensive damage | Onlay or crown | Depends on the remaining tooth |
| Irreversible pulp disease | Root canal treatment or extraction | Needs diagnosis |
You can read more about dental fillings at Marsfield Dental Care, or see our guide to choosing between tooth restoration options if the damage is more extensive.
What are the different types of dental fillings?
The main types of dental fillings are composite resin, amalgam, glass-ionomer cement, and ceramic or gold restorations made outside the mouth. The right choice depends on where the tooth is, how big the damage is, how much biting force it takes and your preferences. Each material has strengths and limits, and none suits every tooth.
Composite resin
Composite resin, often called white fillings, is matched to your tooth shade and bonded to the tooth. It suits many front and back teeth and can sometimes be repaired. It needs a clean, dry tooth during placement and may stain or wear over time.
Amalgam
Amalgam is a silver-grey metal alloy with a long history of use and good strength in suitable situations. It is used less often today. A sound amalgam filling doesn’t need to be replaced just because of the material.
Glass-ionomer
Glass-ionomer is tooth-coloured and releases fluoride. It suits some low-stress areas and temporary repairs, but it is weaker than some alternatives in areas that take heavy chewing.
Ceramic and gold restorations
Ceramic inlays and onlays are fabricated from impressions or digital scans in a lab or in the practice, and then bonded in place. Gold restorations are another option made outside the mouth. Both usually need more tooth preparation, more time and a higher cost.
Temporary fillings
These protect the tooth during staged treatment or emergencies and need follow-up.
| Material | Possible benefits | Limitations |
| Composite resin | Tooth-coloured, bonded, suits many defects | Can wear, stain or chip |
| Amalgam | Established material, good strength in suitable teeth | Metallic look; being phased out globally |
| Glass-ionomer | Releases fluoride | Lower strength under heavy chewing |
| Ceramic | Tooth-coloured restoration made outside the mouth | More preparation, visits and cost |
| Gold | Durable restoration made outside the mouth | Metallic look, more preparation and cost |
| Temporary | Short-term protection | Not a final treatment |
How do composite, amalgam and ceramic fillings compare?
Composite, amalgam and ceramic restorations differ in colour, how they are held in the tooth, how they are placed, cost and where they suit best. Composite is usually placed in one visit and bonded. Amalgam is held mainly by the cavity shape. Ceramic is made outside the mouth for some larger cavities. No single material is ideal for every tooth.
Composite vs amalgam
Composite is tooth-coloured and bonds to the tooth with adhesive, which often allows a smaller preparation. Amalgam is metallic and is held mainly by the cavity’s shape. Composite needs the tooth to be kept dry during placement. Location and chewing forces affect which suits better.
Composite vs ceramic
A composite is usually placed in one visit. Ceramic inlays and onlays are fabricated outside the mouth and are suitable for some larger cavities. They need more preparation and often an extra appointment.
| Factor | Composite | Amalgam | Ceramic |
| Appearance | Tooth-coloured | Metallic | Tooth-coloured |
| Placement | Usually direct | Direct | Usually indirect |
| Retention | Bonded | Mainly mechanical | Bonded or cemented |
| Typical use | Small to moderate defects | Some load-bearing teeth | Selected larger defects |
| Visits | Often one | Often one | Depends on how it is made |
| Repairs | Sometimes possible | Case-dependent | Case-dependent |
How long any of these lasts depends on its size, the tooth’s position, grinding, oral hygiene, the remaining tooth and placement conditions. No material has a guaranteed lifespan.
A note on amalgam
Dental amalgam is being phased out worldwide for environmental reasons. In November 2025, countries that are party to the Minamata Convention on Mercury agreed to end the manufacture, import and export of dental amalgam from 2034, with exceptions where its use is considered necessary for a patient. The Australian Dental Association explains the 2034 phase-out and states that existing amalgam fillings don’t pose health risks, and that routine removal isn’t supported by evidence.
Removing a sound amalgam filling also means drilling away some healthy tooth, so replacement should have a clinical reason, such as a crack, leakage, wear or decay underneath. If you have a concern about an existing filling, your dentist can check it and talk through the options.
What happens during a dental filling procedure?
A filling appointment usually involves checking the tooth, numbing it if needed, removing decay, placing the filling material, shaping it and checking your bite. At Marsfield Dental Care, a straightforward filling is often done in a single visit of about an hour. Deep decay or a ceramic restoration can add an appointment.
- Examination. Your dentist reviews your symptoms and history, checks the damage, takes X-rays if needed, and explains the material options, costs and alternatives.
- Anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic is often used to numb the tooth and gum, depending on how deep the work goes. Not every filling needs an injection.
- Preparing the tooth. The dentist removes decay or old filling material, keeps as much healthy tooth as possible, cleans the cavity and keeps it dry.
- Placing the filling.
- Composite: bonded and built up in layers, each hardened with a blue curing light.
- Amalgam: packed into the cavity and shaped.
- Ceramic: a scan or impression is taken, the restoration is made, and it is bonded at a later stage or visit.
- Deep decay may need a lining or a temporary dressing first, which can add a visit.
- Bite check and polish. Your dentist checks how your teeth meet, adjusts any high spots, smooths the edges and gives aftercare advice.
Sensitivity afterwards
Short-term sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, or to biting, can occur. It should ease over time. Contact your dentist if pain worsens, sensitivity doesn’t settle, your bite feels high, or the filling breaks or falls out.
How long do dental fillings last, and what affects their durability?
Dental fillings don’t last forever, and no material comes with a fixed lifespan. How long a filling lasts depends on the material, the size of the filling, the tooth’s position, chewing forces, grinding, how much of the natural tooth remains, and how well the tooth is cared for. New decay around the edges is a common reason fillings need attention.
What affects durability
- Filling material and size.
- How much of the natural tooth remains?
- Chewing forces and tooth position.
- Grinding or clenching.
- Placement and bonding conditions.
- Oral hygiene and how often you have sugar.
- New decay around the filling.
Repair or replace?
A small, local defect can sometimes be repaired. Widespread wear or new decay may need a new filling or a larger restoration. Your dentist should check the tooth rather than replace an old filling by default.
| Finding | Possible explanation | Next step |
| Intact, working filling | No defect | Routine monitoring |
| Small edge defect | Local wear or chip | Check if repairable |
| Discoloured filling | Staining | Examine before deciding |
| Cracked filling | Structural damage | Dental assessment |
| Ongoing bite pain | High spot, crack or nerve issue | Reassessment |
| Lost filling | Exposed tooth | Prompt care |
| New decay at the edges | Decay around the filling | Discuss options |
Discolouration on its own doesn’t always mean a filling must be replaced.
Caring for fillings
Brush with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, cut back on frequent sugar intake, attend reviews, and ask about a night guard if you grind. Our preventive dentistry page covers regular check-ups.
How much do dental fillings cost in Australia?
Dental filling costs in Australia depend on the tooth, the size of the filling, the number of tooth surfaces involved, the material and the complexity of the work. Ceramic and gold restorations made outside the mouth involve extra steps and fees. Marsfield Dental Care gives a written, itemised quote after an assessment, not over the phone.
Direct filling cost factors
- Number of tooth surfaces.
- Cavity size and depth.
- Tooth position.
- Material.
- X-rays and any extra procedures.
Ceramic and gold restoration cost factors
- Tooth preparation.
- Scans or impressions.
- Laboratory or in-practice fabrication and materials.
- Fitting appointments.
Health insurance and Medicare
Rebates depend on your private health cover, limits, waiting periods and item numbers. Bring your fund details so the practice can give you the item numbers to check with your fund. Routine adult fillings are generally not covered by Medicare, though some public dental programs may cover them for eligible people.
Comparing quotes
Ask whether the estimate includes the examination, X-rays, anaesthetic, the filling itself, polishing and any follow-up.
Choosing the right filling
Dental fillings repair damage and protect the tooth, but the right material depends on the size and position of the problem, not just appearance or price. Regular reviews help catch problems while they are small.
Concerned About a Cavity or Damaged Filling?
Noticed a chipped tooth, new sensitivity or a filling that may need attention? Arrange an examination at our family dental practice in Marsfield to discuss your tooth, suitable restorative options and expected costs. Your dentist can explain whether a filling, repair or another treatment may suit you.
[Button] Book a Dental Examination → https://marsfielddentalcare.com.au/contact-us/
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace my old amalgam fillings?
Not unless there is a clinical reason, such as a crack, leakage, wear or decay underneath. The Australian Dental Association says existing amalgam fillings don’t pose health risks, and the global phase-out from 2034 is an environmental measure. Removing a sound filling also removes some healthy tooth tissue structure. If you have a concern, your dentist can check the filling and explain your options.
Can I get a filling without an injection?
Sometimes. Small, shallow fillings may not need local anaesthetic, while deeper decay usually does. Your dentist will recommend what suits the tooth, and you can ask for an anaesthetic if you would feel more comfortable. Let your dentist know if you have had trouble getting numb in the past so that they can plan for it.
Is it normal for a tooth to feel sensitive after a filling?
Some short-term sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, or to biting, is common and usually eases within a few days to a few weeks. A filling that feels high can cause pain when you bite, and a quick adjustment usually fixes it. Contact your dentist if sensitivity gets worse, doesn’t settle or comes with throbbing pain.
Can a filling fall out?
Yes. Fillings can loosen, chip, crack or wear over time, and new decay can develop around their edges. If a filling falls out, keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side and book an appointment promptly. A small defect can sometimes be repaired rather than replaced, depending on what your dentist finds.
Can I eat straight after a filling?
Avoid chewing while your mouth is numb, because it’s easy to bite your cheek or tongue without noticing. Composite fillings are hardened with a curing light during the appointment, so they’re set by the time you leave. Your dentist will tell you if your filling needs extra time before you chew firmly on that side.
Does health insurance cover dental fillings?
Many extras policies pay a benefit towards fillings, but the amount depends on your fund, your level of cover, annual limits and waiting periods. Bring your fund details to your appointment so the practice can give you the item numbers. You can then check the expected rebate with your fund before treatment.
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