Tooth Fillings

Most fillings take about 30 to 45 minutes per tooth and are done in one visit. If anaesthetic is needed, the dentist numbs the area first, so you’ll usually feel only slight pressure or vibration, not pain. If you’re anxious, ask about sedation dentistry.

Based on the PPDH private patient fee schedule, a composite resin filling is about HK$900–$3,000 and a glass ionomer filling about HK$900–$1,500. Fillings are usually priced by the number of surfaces involved (one, two or more) and complexity, not simply per tooth, and examination and X-rays are usually extra. For reference only; this is not our clinic’s actual pricing, and your fee is confirmed after an examination. See the fee reference page.

Common mercury-free options are composite resin, glass ionomer and ceramic inlays. Composite is tooth-coloured and the most widely used; glass ionomer releases fluoride and is often used near the gumline or in baby teeth; ceramic inlays are made by a dental lab and suit larger areas on back teeth. No single material suits every case, so your dentist will advise based on the cavity’s size, position and your bite.

No. Both our Discovery Bay clinics are mercury-free: we do not use silver (amalgam) fillings, and mainly use tooth-coloured composite resin.

Keep the piece if you have it, avoid chewing on that side and book an appointment soon. Until it’s repaired, bacteria can collect in the gap and the tooth may be sensitive. The dentist will check for new decay or cracks before replacing the filling or suggesting another restoration.

Mild sensitivity to hot or cold, or slight discomfort when biting, is common for a few days and usually settles. Contact us if the pain persists or gets worse, the filling feels high when you bite, or sensitivity hasn’t improved after one to two weeks; your bite may need adjusting or the tooth may need further treatment.

With good care, fillings usually last about 7 to 15 years or more. It depends on the material, the size and position of the filling, your oral hygiene, and habits such as grinding. Regular check-ups catch new decay at the edges or wear early.

In most cases you can eat straight away. If you had a local anaesthetic, it’s best not to eat until the numbness wears off (usually about 1–2 hours), so you don’t bite your cheek or tongue, and avoid very hot food so you don’t burn yourself. Avoid very hard or sticky food at first.

Yes, as long as enough healthy tooth structure remains. Teeth that have been filled many times or have very large fillings become weaker, though, and may eventually need a crown for support.

For small to medium cavities or small chips, a filling usually comes first because only the decayed part is removed, preserving as much healthy tooth as possible. Large damage, back teeth after a root canal or deeper cracks are better suited to a crown; for the appearance of front teeth, consider veneers.

A small chip can usually be rebuilt with tooth-coloured resin in one visit, and a tiny chip can simply be polished smooth. If the break is large or has reached the nerve, a crown or root canal may be needed. Before your visit, rinse with warm salt water, avoid chewing on that side and keep any broken piece.

Tooth-coloured materials such as composite resin are non-metallic and mercury-free, and generally don’t affect MRI scans. It’s still a good idea to tell the radiographer about your dental work before an MRI.

Yes. Decay in baby teeth still needs treatment so it doesn’t affect chewing or the adult teeth underneath. The dentist chooses a suitable material for your child; see Kids Dentistry and our Guide to Cavities in Baby Teeth.

Yes. We accept Elderly Health Care Vouchers. Eligible Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above can use them for dental services provided by a registered dentist, including fillings. The amount you can use depends on your voucher balance, so please mention it when booking and bring your Hong Kong Identity Card to the appointment.