Why are Dental Fillings Done? | Tülay Akkol Dental

10.02.2026

Dental filling is the process of restoring teeth that have lost their chewing function, appear aesthetically unpleasing, or are cracked or decayed, by filling them with various materials. If a previously placed filling falls out or becomes worn, it is also necessary to have the filling redone.

A dental filling is applied to restore the function of a decayed or damaged tooth. Before placing the filling, the dentist cleans the decayed tooth tissue. The tooth is then filled with a suitable filling material. The purpose of a filling is to prevent further progression of tooth decay by sealing the cavities. There are many different types of filling materials available. For those seeking an answer to the question of why dental fillings are done, in short, a dental filling is the process of filling teeth that have lost their chewing function, are aesthetically unpleasing, cracked, or decayed, using various materials. If a previously placed filling has fallen out or worn down, re-treatment is necessary. If the pulp inside the tooth is damaged and cannot heal, performing a filling together with root canal treatment becomes inevitable. Filling procedures are also applied in situations other than decay and fractures.

How Is a Dental Filling Done?

First, the decayed tooth is cleaned by the dentist. After removing decay and debris, the tooth is restored with a filling. To ensure the patient does not feel pain or discomfort during the procedure, local anesthesia is applied. With local anesthesia, the area to be treated is numbed and the procedure is carried out. Regardless of the filling material chosen by the patient, the dentist prepares and applies it in a comfortable manner. After the necessary cleaning, a cavity caused by decay, fracture, or damage remains in the tooth. This cavity is then filled appropriately according to the structure and form of the tooth. Depending on the selected material, dentists use special medical devices to ensure the filling hardens as quickly as possible. After the filling procedure, the patient is asked to open and close their mouth to check for any issues. If a problem is detected, the dentist resolves it by adjusting or trimming the filling. Once all checks are completed, the tooth regains its original function. This is the most accurate way to answer the question of how a dental filling is done.

How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost?

When patients experience broken or decayed teeth, one of the first things they research is how much dental fillings cost. Although there is no fixed price for fillings, costs vary depending on the materials used. Therefore, providing a precise figure may be misleading. Some patients have decay in multiple teeth rather than just one. In other cases, teeth may fracture due to trauma. In such situations, as the number of teeth requiring fillings increases, costs also rise. Factors such as the dentist’s experience and expertise also affect filling prices. To achieve successful results, it is not always necessary to allocate a high budget. Dentists offering fillings at reasonable prices are also available. First, you should choose your dentist and make an appointment. After the examination, you can proceed with your filling treatment.

How Long Does a Dental Filling Take?

Another frequently asked question by those considering a dental filling is how long the procedure takes. The duration of a dental filling may vary from patient to patient. The tooth being treated, the materials used, and the number of fillings required all affect the duration. The purpose of the filling also determines the length of the session. Performing a filling together with root canal treatment directly extends the procedure time. Additionally, the dentist’s preparation of materials during the procedure influences the duration. All these factors affect the length of a dental filling procedure, making it impossible to specify an exact time.

What Are the Types of Dental Fillings?

In the past, dental fillings were made using only one or two types of materials. Today, there is a wide range of filling material options available. The most commonly used types of dental fillings are as follows:

Gold fillings; prepared in a laboratory environment and custom-made upon request.
Composite fillings; tooth-colored fillings that offer a natural appearance and are widely used.
Porcelain fillings; although costly, they are highly preferred due to their resistance to staining.
Amalgam fillings; also known as silver fillings, although they are not commonly preferred today. They are made from a mixture of elements such as mercury, copper, and tin. One disadvantage is their gray metallic appearance. However, their resistance to chewing force makes them a frequent choice.