Dental Fillings Explained: Types, Procedure & Cost in Chandigarh

A small cavity today can save you from a big dental problem tomorrow — and that’s where dental fillings come in.

Dental fillings are one of the most common and effective ways to treat tooth decay, restore function, and prevent future damage. Whether it’s a dark spot, sensitivity to sweets, or a chipped tooth, fillings help your teeth stay strong, pain-free, and beautiful.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything about dental fillings — types, procedure, costs in Chandigarh, and how Dr. Sandhu at Tricity Smiles Dentistry ensures every restoration is gentle, precise, and long-lasting.

🦷 What Are Dental Fillings and Why Are They Needed?

Dental fillings restore areas of your tooth damaged by decay, cracks, or wear. During the procedure, the decayed portion is removed, and a biocompatible material is used to “fill” and rebuild the tooth.

Common reasons you may need a filling:

• Toothache or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets

• Food getting stuck in one area repeatedly

• Visible hole, chip, or dark spot

• Rough or uneven tooth surface

• Fractured or worn old filling

  
  

Left untreated, decay spreads deeper, often requiring root canal treatment later — so early fillings are always more conservative and cost-effective.¹

🪞 Types of Dental Fillings

There’s no “one size fits all.” The best filling depends on your cavity size, location, cosmetic needs, and budget.

Type	Composition	Best For	Pros	Cons
Composite (Tooth-Colored)	Resin-based, light-cured	Front & back teeth	Aesthetic, bonds to enamel, minimally invasive	Slightly higher cost, may stain over time
Amalgam (Silver)	Mercury, silver, tin, copper	Back molars	Strong, durable, affordable	Silver color, less aesthetic
Glass Ionomer (GIC)	Acrylic + fluoroaluminosilicate	Kids’ teeth, small cavities	Fluoride release, ideal for children	Weaker, less aesthetic
Ceramic (Porcelain)	Custom-milled inlay/onlay	Large visible cavities	Very aesthetic, stain-resistant	Higher cost, lab-made
Gold Alloy	Gold + metal alloy	Long-term restorations	Extremely durable, biocompatible	Expensive, visible color

¹ Source: ADA Clinical Guidelines on Restorative Materials (2023)

🧩 Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Filling at Tricity Smiles

At Tricity Smiles Dentistry, your comfort is the priority — every step is performed gently and precisely.

1️⃣ Examination & X-rays – To locate decay and assess cavity depth.

2️⃣ Anesthesia – Ensures a pain-free experience.

3️⃣ Decay Removal – Dr. Sandhu carefully removes all decayed areas.

4️⃣ Tooth Preparation – The cavity is cleaned and shaped for bonding.

5️⃣ Filling Placement – Composite or GIC material is applied in layers and hardened with a special curing light.

6️⃣ Shaping & Polishing – Adjusted to match your bite perfectly and polished for a natural look.

🦷 Digital scanners and magnification are used for precision at Tricity Smiles Dentistry — ensuring long-lasting, natural-looking results.

👶 Fillings for Children: Gentle, Safe & Fluoride-Boosted

Kids can develop cavities soon after their teeth erupt — especially if they snack frequently or drink milk at bedtime.

For baby teeth, Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) fillings are commonly used because they:

• Release fluoride to protect against new cavities

• Bond well even on moist surfaces

• Require minimal drilling

• Are fast, painless, and perfect for young children

At Tricity Smiles Dentistry, our pediatric fillings are designed to be gentle, quick, and fear-free — helping kids build lifelong confidence in dental care.

💰 Dental Filling Cost in Chandigarh

Dental filling cost varies based on material, tooth location, and cavity size or number of surfaces involved.The larger the cavity (especially if it spreads across multiple surfaces), the more material and precision are required — leading to a higher cost.

Type of Filling	Ideal Use	Approx. Cost (per tooth)	Notes
Composite (Tooth-Colored)	Aesthetic front/back teeth	₹3,000 and upward	Price rises with surface count (1–3 surfaces)
Amalgam (Silver)	Strong, posterior teeth	Not offered at our clinic	Economical, less aesthetic
GIC (Children)	Baby teeth	₹2000 and upward	Preventive fluoride release, short-term
Ceramic / Inlay-Onlay	Large cavities / premium restoration	₹15,000 and upward	Custom lab-made, natural look and high strength
Gold	Long-term restoration	Not offered at our clinic	Rarely used today

💡 Pro Tip: Filling costs also depend on whether the cavity involves one surface (simple) or multiple surfaces (complex) — as each surface requires additional bonding, shaping, and finishing time.

Dr. Sandhu always discusses all options and costs transparently before starting your treatment.

🧴 Aftercare & Sensitivity Tips

• Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal.

• Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the filled tooth for 24 hours.

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss gently around the filled area.

• Get routine dental checkups every 6 months for maintenance.

💛 Related Services at Tricity Smiles Dentistry

• Composite tooth-colored fillings

• Cavity detection & digital X-rays

• Ceramic inlays and onlays

• Kids’ fluoride & GIC fillings

• Full mouth restoration plans

Schedule your visit

Book your consultation with Dr. Sandhu today to receive a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate for these services.

⭐ What Our Patients Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Dr. Sandhu is meticulous and explains every step. My fillings look completely natural!” — Amit S., Chandigarh We’re proud to be one of Chandigarh’s highest-rated dental clinics, trusted by families across the Tricity for honest, quality care.

👨‍⚕️ About Dr. Sandhu & Tricity Smiles Dentistry

Dr. Sandhu brings 20 years of experience and American-level training to Chandigarh.He earned his dental degree from CMC Ludhiana, followed by a Master’s from USC and DDS from UCSF. Leading Tricity’s first 100% digital dental clinic, he specializes in aesthetic, restorative, and family dentistry with a focus on precision, comfort, and prevention.

If you suspect a cavity or have old fillings that need replacement, schedule your consultation with Dr. Sandhu at Tricity Smiles Dentistry, Chandigarh today.📍 Find us on Google Maps

❓ FAQs

1. How long do dental fillings last? Composite fillings last about 5–7 years; amalgam and ceramic can last 10–15 years or more with good care.

2. Are dental fillings painful? No — local anesthesia ensures a completely pain-free experience.

3. How do I know if I need a filling? You may notice sensitivity, visible dark spots, or food getting stuck; however, many cavities are only visible on X-rays.

4. What is the best filling material? For most adults, tooth-colored composite is the best blend of strength, aesthetics, and affordability.

5. Are fillings for kids different? Yes — children’s fillings usually use Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC), which releases fluoride and bonds easily to baby teeth.

🔗 Related Topics

• When Should You Take Your Child to the Dentist?

• Complete Guide to Tooth Sensitivity

• Everything About Root Canal Treatments

• Composite vs Ceramic Fillings — What’s Best for You?

  
  

📚 References

1. American Dental Association – Types of Dental Fillings

2. World Health Organization – Mercury and Amalgam Safety

3. AAPD – Guideline on Restorative Dentistry for Primary Teeth

4. PubMed – Longevity of Composite Restorations: 30-Year Review (Opdam NJ et al., 2014)

5. ADA – Dental Filling Care Tips