Tooth Fillings

About Tooth Fillings

Decay slowly breaks down a tooth and, if left, can reach the nerve. With a filling done early, the decayed part is cleaned away and the tooth is rebuilt with a composite material matched to its natural colour.

Who is it for?

• Teeth where decay has been found at an examination or on an X-ray
• Chipped or worn tooth surfaces
• Old fillings that are leaking around the edges
• Areas that feel sensitive to sweet or cold things (we check these at the examination)

The treatment process

1. Finding the decayAn examination and, if needed, an X-ray show where the decay is and how deep it goes.
2. Removing the decayThe decayed tissue is cleaned away while the healthy tooth is kept.
3. Placing the composite fillingA tooth-coloured composite filling is placed in layers and hardened with a light.
4. Shaping and polishingThe filling is shaped to fit your bite and then polished.

After treatment

• Avoid hot drinks and food until the numbness wears off.
• If your bite feels high, come back to the clinic so we can check it.
• Tea, coffee and smoking can stain the filling over time.
• A check-up every six months helps us spot new decay early.

How does tooth decay start?

Bacteria in your mouth turn the sugar in what you eat into acid. Over time, this acid dissolves the enamel and a small cavity begins. Decay in the enamel may not hurt. As it moves into the dentine and then towards the nerve, sensitivity to hot and cold and pain start to appear. Decay that is caught early can be treated more simply and quickly.

Types of fillings

• Composite (tooth-coloured) filling: bonds to the tooth and can be matched to its colour. Used for front and back teeth.
• Amalgam filling: an older, grey material. Today it's chosen less often for appearance reasons.
• Glass ionomer filling: releases fluoride. Useful especially for baby teeth or decay close to the gum line.
• Inlay/onlay (made in a lab): covers part of the tooth when too much is missing to rebuild it with a filling.

How a filling is done

First the area is numbed with local anaesthesia, the decay is cleaned away and the tooth surface is prepared. The composite is placed in layers, hardened with a special light, then shaped to your bite and polished. If the decay is deep and close to the nerve, extra protective steps may be needed.

Filling or root canal: where is the line?

If decay is treated before it reaches the nerve, a filling is enough. If it has reached the nerve or the nerve is inflamed, root canal treatment is needed. That's why treating decay found at a check-up, before it starts to hurt, is easier and better for keeping the tooth.

Helping your filling last longer

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss between your teeth.
• Snack less often and cut down on sugary or acidic drinks.
• Come in for a check-up every six months, so small cracks or leaks around the edges are found early.
• If you clench your teeth at night, tell your dentist. A night guard protects both your fillings and your teeth.

Tooth Fillings in Gölcük

With fillings, the key is to come in early. When the cavity is small, the filling can often be done in one visit. You can book a check-up every six months, and the clinic is easy to reach from central Gölcük and the nearby neighbourhoods.

The clinic has step-free access and parking. Your options, the length of treatment and what to keep in mind are explained in detail at your first visit. To book, call +90 262 414 48 38, message us on WhatsApp (+90 541 854 70 28) or send an online appointment request.

Frequently asked questions

The information on this page is for general guidance only. The right treatment for you is decided by your dentist after an examination and any necessary tests. 3D images are illustrations.