Tooth decay is common, but the care is predictable when you know the steps. This expert guide explains how cavities start, when a filling is needed, and what materials dentists use. You’ll also see how top Swiss clinics structure treatment plans so you can make confident choices for your oral health in the best clinic in Geneva.
How Cavities Start And Why Early Checks Matter?
Dental plaque holds acids that soften enamel. When this process repeats, a hole forms in the tooth. Small cavities are easier to treat and cost less than large ones. Regular exams and hygiene visits help your dentist spot risk areas before pain begins. In modern care, dentists try to repair only what is damaged and protect the rest.
When Filling Is The Right Option?
A filling is used when a cavity is confined to the enamel and dentine and the nerve is healthy. The goal is to remove damaged tissue, clean the area, and restore the shape so you can chew without sensitivity. Your dentist will choose a direct material for most small to medium cavities. Larger defects may need an inlay or onlay that is made by a lab.
What High-Quality Dental Clinics Consider Before Treating?
Modern dental clinics in Switzerland follow strict hygiene standards and continuing education rules, which help keep care consistent. Before treating, the team reviews your medical history, checks your gums, assesses bite contacts, and looks for habits such as grinding. These steps guide the choice of material and shape, and reduce the chance of sensitivity after treatment.
Filling Materials Used In Daily Practice
There is no single material that fits every tooth. Each has a clear role. Your dentist will explain the trade-offs and help you pick the best option for your tooth and lifestyle.
Composite Resin
Composite resin is a tooth-coloured material shaped on your tooth to fix chips, small holes, or worn edges. It is placed in thin layers, hardened with a light, and polished to match your teeth. Because it bonds to the tooth, a less healthy tooth is removed. It works well for small to medium repairs, especially front teeth. With good care, it lasts well, but it can stain a little over time and may need a quick polish at check-ups.
Glass Ionomer And Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer
| Material | What It Is | Best For | Limits Compared To Composite |
| Glass Ionomer | Tooth-coloured filling that sticks to the tooth and releases fluoride | Small areas, near gums or root surfaces, base under other fillings | Wears faster on biting surfaces |
| Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer (RMGI) | Stronger, nicer-looking version of glass ionomer that still releases fluoride | Same areas as above when a bit more strength and polish are needed | Still less wear-resistant on biting surfaces |
Amalgam
Amalgam is a durable metal filling used for many decades. It is strong in back teeth and resists wear. Some patients prefer tooth-coloured options for appearance. Many dentists now choose composite for suitable cases, but amalgam remains an option where durability is the main need and isolation is difficult. Your dentist will advise based on cavity size, bite load, and preferences.
Ceramic Or Gold Inlays And Onlays
For larger cavities or cracked cusps, indirect restorations made by a lab can restore strength and shape. Ceramic offers a natural look, while gold is very durable and kind to opposing teeth. These solutions usually need two visits and suit the cases where a simple filling would not last.
What The Filling Visit Looks Like In A Clinic?
Quality dental clinics follow a clear, step-by-step method. After a local anaesthetic, the dentist removes decay, shapes the cavity, and keeps the tooth dry with efficient isolation. For composite, the surface is conditioned and bonded, the material is layered and cured, then shaped and polished. For glass ionomer, the tooth is conditioned and the material is placed in a single step. The bite is checked and adjusted to avoid high spots. You get care instructions before you leave.
How Swiss Clinics Help You Avoid Future Problems?
Prevention reduces new decay and keeps fillings smaller. Leading Geneva teams plan care around risk level, diet, and hygiene habits. They also screen for grinding and suggest a night guard if needed to protect new work. When needed, dentists map staged plans that include hygiene, small fillings, and, where appropriate, orthodontic or restorative steps for long-term stability.
Simple Care Tips After A Filling
- Wait until numbness wears off before chewing on the treated side.
- If the bite feels high, call the clinic for a quick adjustment.
- Use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily.
- Clean between teeth with floss or interdental brushes.
- Sip dark drinks and water rather than swishing.
- Book routine hygiene visits and follow your recall plan.
Signs You Should Book A Prompt Check
Sensitivity to cold that lingers, pain on biting, food packing between teeth, or a rough edge near the gum can signal a problem. Most issues are easy to resolve when seen early. If you have sudden pain or swelling, contact an emergency dentist for advice and care.
Material Choice By Common Scenarios
Tiny Hole Or Groove In A Chewing Tooth
Composite or sealant-like materials are often chosen for their bonding and appearance. Where moisture control is hard, glass ionomer can be useful. Your dentist will pick the option that best balances sealing and wear resistance.
Root Surface Cavity With Gum Recession
Glass ionomer bonds to root dentine and releases fluoride, which helps reduce further decay in high-risk areas. In some cases, a layered approach is used, with a composite on top for wear.
Large Defect With Weak Cusps
A lab-made ceramic or gold onlay may protect the tooth better than a big direct filling. This choice spreads forces and can lengthen the life of the tooth.
Heavily Filled Tooth With Cracks
Indirect options can support cracked enamel and give a stable bite. Your dentist will check for grinding and may advise a guard to protect the new work.
What To Expect From Anaesthetic And Recovery?
Local anaesthetic takes the pain away during treatment. After the visit, mild sensitivity to cold or pressure can occur for a few days. This usually settles as the tooth adapts. If pain wakes you at night, or hot triggers a deep ache, call the clinic. You may need a review to check the bite or assess the nerve.
How Dental Clinics Explain Costs And Value?
Dental clinics set fees by material, time, and complexity. A small composite usually costs less than a lab-made onlay. The team should give you a written plan with options, benefits, and maintenance advice. Many clinics also explain how preventive care limits future costs by keeping cavities smaller and less complex.
Why Many Patients In Geneva Choose Smile Design Boutique?
Smile Design Boutique offers comprehensive care in a modern clinic in the city centre. The team plans each case with photographs, scans, and a clear discussion of options. Patients value the calm setting, transparent advice, and careful finishing of every restoration. If orthodontics, implants, or aesthetic work are also on your mind, you can discuss these in one place and map a staged plan that suits your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does A Filling Last?
Can A Filling Stain?
Composite can pick up colour over time, especially with coffee, tea, or smoking. Polishing at check-ups helps. Ceramic and gold do not stain, but they are used for larger cases and require lab work.
Are White Fillings Strong Enough For Back Teeth?
Yes, when case selection and technique are good. Isolation and careful layering help composites handle bite loads. Large defects may need indirect options for long-term strength.
Do You Always Drill For A Filling?
Only damaged tissue is removed. Where possible, dentists use conservative shapes and bonding to keep sound enamel. Early detection often means smaller preparations and simpler care.
Your Cavity Care Starts Today!
Treat small cavities early so care stays simple and gentle. Composite resin suits most fillings. Glass ionomer helps near the gum or when the tooth is hard to keep dry. Bigger defects may need a ceramic or gold onlay. What matters most is clear advice and careful work. If you want calm, thorough care, book an appointment in the Smile Design Boutique website. We will check your teeth and gums, explain your options in plain words, and set a prevention plan that fits your daily lifestyle so you can leave with comfort and confidence.
