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Dental Checkup

What Is Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a restorative treatment used to repair teeth damaged by decay, cracks, or wear. During the procedure, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the space with a durable material to restore its strength and function.
 
Fillings help prevent further decay and protect the tooth from additional damage. There are different types of tooth fillings, including composite resin, amalgam, glass ionomer, and gold.

Types of Tooth Fillings

Tooth Filling

Direct Fillings

Direct fillings are placed in a single visit without the need for a dental lab.
 

Common direct filling materials include:

  • Composite Resin: Tooth-colored and made of resin with fine glass particles.

  • Amalgam: Silver-colored, durable, and composed of metals like silver, tin, and copper.

  • Glass Ionomer: Contains fluoride, which helps protect against further decay.

Indirect Fillings

​​Indirect fillings are custom-made in a lab before being placed in the tooth. They typically require two visits unless the dentist uses CAD/CAM technology for same-day placement.

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Types of indirect fillings:

  • Inlays and Onlays: Used when damage is too extensive for a regular filling but not severe enough for a crown.

  • Common materials for indirect fillings include:

    • Gold: Highly durable and resistant to wear.

    • Porcelain: Aesthetic and stain-resistant, blending naturally with teeth.

Dental Filling Procedure: What to Expect

Tooth decay
  1. Examination: The dentist evaluates the tooth, often using X-rays to assess decay.

  2. Numbing the Area: A local anesthetic is applied to prevent discomfort.

  3. Decay Removal: The damaged portion of the tooth is removed using a drill or laser.

  4. Cleaning: The cavity is cleaned to remove bacteria and debris.

  5. Filling Placement: The selected material is applied to restore the tooth. Composite fillings are layered and cured with a special light.

  6. Shaping and Polishing: The dentist ensures a proper fit and polishes the filling for a smooth finish.

  7. Aftercare Instructions: Post-procedure guidelines are provided to help with recovery.

Getting a cavity filling involves several steps:

The entire tooth filling procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the severity of the decay.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

The lifespan of a dental filling depends on factors like:
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  • Diet: Acidic and hard foods can wear down fillings.

  • Oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing daily help maintain fillings.

  • Filling material: Gold and porcelain last longer than composite or amalgam.

  • Location and size of the filling: Larger fillings or those in high-pressure areas wear out faster.
     

Your dentist at EZ Dental Care can assess your fillings and recommend replacements if needed.

Ideal Materials for Tooth Fillings

  1. Composite Resin: Tooth-colored, bonds well, but may not last as long as metal fillings.

  2. Amalgam: Strong and long-lasting but more visible due to its silver color.

  3. Porcelain: Stain-resistant and natural-looking, but may be brittle.
     

Your dentist will help determine the suitable material for your cavity filling based on your needs.​​​​​​​​​

How Much Does A Tooth Fillings Cost?

The cost of dental fillings varies depending on the type of material used and the complexity of the procedure. In Singapore, prices typically start from $80 onwards. The final fee depends on factors such as the size of the cavity, the number of surfaces involved, and the filling material selected.​​​​​​

CHAS Blue, Merdeka, and Pioneer Card Subsidies for Dental Fillings

Cardholders of CHAS Blue, Merdeka Generation, and Pioneer Generation can receive subsidies for dental fillings at participating clinics in Singapore. Below are the subsidy details:
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​CHAS Orange Cardholders (New subsidy rate wef: 1 October 2025)

  • Simple Filling: Up to 6 subsidized fillings per calendar year (shared across all types).
    Subsidy Amount: $20.00 per filling

  • Complex Filling: $33.50 per filling

CHAS Blue Cardholders (New subsidy rate wef: 1 October 2025)

  • Simple Filling: Up to 6 subsidized fillings per calendar year (shared across all types).
    Subsidy Amount: $30.00 per filling

  • Complex Filling: $50.00 per filling

Merdeka Generation Cardholders (New subsidy rate wef: 1 October 2025)

  • Simple Filling: Up to 6 subsidized fillings per calendar year (shared across all types).
    Subsidy Amount: $35.00 per filling

  • Complex Filling: $55.00 per filling

Pioneer Generation Cardholders (New subsidy rate wef: 1 October 2025)

  • Simple Filling: Up to 6 subsidized fillings per calendar year (shared across all types).
    Subsidy Amount: $40.00 per filling

  • Complex Filling: $60.00 per filling

 Key Considerations for Cardholders

  • Subsidies help reduce the cost of dental fillings.

  • Participating clinics follow MOH guidelines for subsidy claims.

  • Each calendar year, up to six fillings can be subsidized under the respective schemes.

Need Cavity Fillings? Visit EZ Dental Care in Singapore

If you have tooth decay or a damaged filling, dental fillings can be used to restore the affected tooth. At EZ Dental Care, our dentists at the Bedok North and Geylang Bahru clinics use filling materials to repair damaged areas of teeth. The type of filling material used depends on the tooth's condition and treatment needs.

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To arrange an appointment for a dental filling, contact EZ Dental Care to discuss your treatment options.

FAQs about Dental Fillings

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