A cavity caught early is one of the quickest, cheapest fixes in dentistry — a small filling now prevents a root canal or crown later.

Signs You May Need a Filling

• Food getting stuck in the same spot
• Sensitivity to sweets, cold water or air
• A visible dark spot or hole — though many cavities hide between teeth and show only on X-rays
• Roughness you can feel with your tongue

Filling Materials

• Composite (tooth-coloured) — the modern default; bonds to the tooth, matches your shade, works on front and back teeth
• Glass ionomer (GIC) — releases fluoride; great for kids' teeth, root surfaces, and areas hard to keep dry
• Amalgam — still extremely durable for large back-tooth cavities, though most patients now prefer tooth-coloured options

The Procedure

1. Numb (small cavities may not even need it)
2. Decay removed — only the infected part; healthy tooth is preserved
3. Bond & layer — composite is placed in increments and hardened with a light
4. Shape & polish — the bite is checked so it feels like your own tooth

You'll be done in 20–45 minutes; numbness wears off in 1–2 hours.

When a Filling Isn't Enough

• Decay near the nerve → may need a root canal first
• More filling than tooth → a crown or onlay protects better
• Cracked tooth → depends on the crack's direction and depth

After a Filling

• Wait for numbness to fade before chewing (bite injuries are common)
• Mild cold sensitivity for a few days is normal; sharp pain on biting isn't — get the bite adjusted
• Fillings last 5–10+ years; they wear like teeth do and are checked at your cleanings

Think you have a cavity? Early treatment is the cheapest treatment — book on Odento.

Typical Cost in India

Composite fillings ₹800–₹3,500 per tooth depending on size; GIC slightly lower; large build-ups or inlays cost more.

Prices vary widely by city, clinic, material and case complexity — always confirm a written estimate before starting.

Questions to Ask Your Dentist

• Is this a simple filling or does the decay reach near the nerve?
• Which material do you recommend and why?
• Should I get an X-ray to check for hidden decay between teeth?
• What changes do I need to prevent new cavities?

Trusted external resources

• ADA Mouth-Healthy: Cavities
• Mayo Clinic: Cavities & Tooth Decay

Odento procedure guides are educational, not a substitute for an examination — always consult a qualified dentist for your specific case.