Assess lost or damaged tooth structure before restoration
A dentist first assesses the cause, size and location of the defect before discussing whether a filling or another option is appropriate.
What you can expect
- Individual assessment before treatment
- Material selected for the clinical situation
- Restoration of lost or damaged tooth structure
- Aftercare based on the tooth and treatment
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling repairs a tooth by replacing material lost through decay, a break, wear or damage. The dentist first assesses the cause, size, location and how much natural tooth remains. A filling can support form and function, but it cannot guarantee permanent function or freedom from future problems.
What is tooth decay and how does it develop?
Plaque bacteria convert sugars into acids. Repeated acid attacks remove minerals from enamel and can eventually create a cavity. An early enamel lesion may sometimes be stabilised with fluoride, improved cleaning and dietary change. Once decay reaches the softer dentine, a filling is usually needed because progression becomes faster.
Signs that may need assessment
Sensitivity to sweet, cold or hot food, pain when biting, food trapping, a rough edge or visible dark area can prompt an examination. These signs do not prove that a cavity or filling is present. Decay can also develop without symptoms, and imaging is used only when clinically indicated.
Receding gums and exposed tooth necks
Gum recession can expose sensitive root surfaces. When sensitivity persists or the surface is worn, a carefully bonded restoration may cover the area. The underlying cause—such as brushing pressure, gum inflammation or bite stress—must also be addressed.
Replacing old or leaking fillings
An old filling is not replaced simply because of its age or colour. Replacement is considered when there is leakage, recurrent decay, fracture, significant wear or a functional or aesthetic reason. Removing a sound restoration unnecessarily sacrifices healthy tooth tissue, so each case is assessed individually.
When a filling may not be suitable
How much natural tooth remains and its condition influence whether a direct filling is suitable. With a larger defect, the dentist may discuss an inlay, onlay, dental crown or another treatment. No particular defect automatically requires a crown, root canal treatment or extraction without an individual assessment.
Types of fillings and materials
Material choice depends on the position and size of the defect, moisture control, bite forces and aesthetic expectations. The dentist explains clinically suitable options before treatment.
Composite fillings (white fillings)
Composite resin bonds to tooth tissue and is available in shades that blend with natural enamel and dentine. It is placed in layers and hardened with a curing light. Composite is widely used in front and back teeth, although very large restorations face greater chewing stress.
Amalgam fillings (silver fillings) compared with composite
Amalgam was historically common, while composite is tooth-coloured and widely used. Existing amalgam does not automatically need removal; the decision depends on fracture, marginal fit, decay, function, symptoms and how much natural tooth remains. The dentist explains the suitable material options for the tooth being treated.
Benefits of composite
Composite provides a natural appearance, bonds to the tooth and often permits conservative preparation. It can be repaired in selected situations. Successful placement requires good moisture control, accurate shaping and a bite that does not overload the restoration.
Alternatives to a filling
Very early decay may respond to preventive care. Larger defects may require an inlay, onlay or crown for strength. The dentist weighs how much natural tooth can be kept, the expected outcome, costs and ongoing care when recommending an option.
How a filling is generally placed
The dentist assesses the tooth and discusses the proposed treatment. Imaging is used only when clinically indicated, and local anaesthetic may be discussed according to the tooth, depth and patient needs. Damaged tissue is managed, the tooth is prepared for the selected material, and the restoration is shaped and finished. The bite and result are assessed after the restoration is shaped and finished. The exact workflow and appointment length vary.
Aftercare following a filling
Wait until numbness has resolved before chewing to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. Mild temperature or biting sensitivity can occur temporarily. Contact us if pain increases, the tooth feels too high, the filling breaks or sensitivity does not improve. Continue brushing with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth.
For urgent or worsening symptoms, follow our emergency dental care instructions and call for advice rather than using the new-patient registration form.
Assessment and explanations in Rotterdam
Our team can explain in English whether monitoring, prevention, a filling or another treatment may be appropriate after assessment. Concerns about pain or anaesthetic can be discussed before treatment. No particular material, comfort level, result or appointment workflow is guaranteed.
Costs, reimbursement and insurance for fillings
Dutch dental fees are based on official NZa codes. The price depends mainly on the number of surfaces restored, anaesthetic, diagnostic imaging and any additional procedure. Material or technical costs are shown where applicable.
For an explanation of estimates and invoices, see our dental tariffs and payment information.
What determines the price of a filling?
A surface is one side of a tooth, such as the chewing surface or side facing a neighbouring tooth. A multi-surface restoration needs more material, shaping and time and therefore has a different NZa code from a one-surface filling.
NZa filling tariffs
The NZa sets maximum tariffs and updates them periodically. Rather than publishing figures that can become outdated, this page explains that the total depends on the procedures actually performed. Patients can ask which procedures are expected and how these affect cost.
Basic and supplementary insurance
For adults, fillings are generally not covered by Dutch basic health insurance. Most necessary fillings for children under 18 are covered. Adults with supplementary dental insurance may receive partial reimbursement up to a percentage or annual maximum. Check waiting periods, exclusions and remaining allowance directly with the insurer.
Transparent tariffs without surprises
We explain the diagnosis and alternatives and provide a written estimate when required. If findings change during treatment, we discuss the implications whenever clinically possible before proceeding.