Types of Dental Fillings: Which Is Right for Your Cavity?
Choosing between types of dental fillings comes down to where the cavity is, how large it is, and what matters most to you in terms of appearance and durability. At Razavi Dental in Philadelphia, Dr. Leily Razavi recommends the right filling material for each specific tooth so you get a result that looks natural and holds up long term.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Fillings?
Modern dentistry offers four main types of dental fillings. Each has specific strengths depending on the location of the cavity, the amount of chewing force the tooth handles, and whether appearance is a priority.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin is the most common tooth colored filling used at Razavi Dental. Made from a blend of glass and resin, composite fillings are shade-matched to your natural teeth so they are virtually invisible once placed.
Composite fillings are the right choice when:
The cavity is on a front tooth or any visible surface where appearance matters. The cavity is small to medium in size. You want a minimally invasive procedure that preserves as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
The procedure takes one appointment. Dr. Razavi removes the decay, applies the composite resin in layers, shapes it to match the tooth, and hardens it with a curing light. Most patients leave the same day with the tooth fully restored.
Composite fillings typically last seven to ten years with proper care and regular checkups.
Porcelain Fillings — Inlays and Onlays
Porcelain fillings, also called inlays and onlays, are custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory and bonded to the tooth at a second appointment. They are an excellent choice for larger cavities where a standard composite filling may not provide enough structural support.
Porcelain inlays and onlays are:
Highly resistant to staining. More durable than composite under heavy bite pressure. Precisely matched to your tooth color for a seamless appearance.
Because they are made to exact specifications in a lab, porcelain fillings fit the tooth more accurately than direct composite. They are more expensive than composite but can last 15 to 20 years or longer with proper care. Razavi Dental offers tooth colored fillings in Philadelphia using both composite and porcelain depending on what serves the tooth best.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are rarely requested today for cosmetic reasons, but they remain one of the most durable cavity filling options available. Custom-fabricated and placed over two appointments, gold fillings are exceptionally strong and well-suited for back molars that handle significant chewing force.
Gold fillings last 20 years or more in many cases and resist wear and corrosion better than any other material. For patients who prioritize longevity over appearance in non-visible areas, gold is still a legitimate choice worth discussing.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride into the surrounding tooth structure, which provides additional protection against future decay. They bond directly to the tooth without the need for adhesive, making them a less invasive option in certain situations.
Glass ionomer fillings are most commonly used for:
Small cavities in children. Cavities near the gumline. Temporary restorations while a permanent solution is being planned.
They are not as durable as composite or porcelain under heavy chewing pressure, so they are not typically used for back molars in adults.
Tooth Colored Fillings in Philadelphia: Composite vs Porcelain
Patients often ask which tooth colored filling is better. The answer depends on the tooth.
For small to medium cavities in visible areas, composite resin is the faster, more affordable option and looks completely natural. For larger restorations or teeth that handle heavy biting force, a porcelain inlay or onlay provides better long-term structural support.
Dr. Razavi will examine the cavity, show you what she finds, and recommend the right material before any treatment begins. There are no surprises at Razavi Dental.
How Much Does a Cavity Filling Cost in Philadelphia?
Dental fillings in Philadelphia at Razavi Dental are priced based on the material and complexity of the restoration:
Composite resin fillings typically range from $150 to $300 per tooth. Porcelain inlays and onlays typically range from $500 to $1,500 per tooth. Gold fillings are similar in cost to porcelain, sometimes higher depending on the size.
Dental insurance covers fillings for decay in most plans, though coverage percentages vary. Razavi Dental will verify your benefits before treatment and provide a clear cost estimate so you know exactly what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings
How long does it take to fill a cavity?
Most composite fillings take 20 to 60 minutes in a single appointment. Porcelain and gold fillings require two appointments since they are fabricated in a lab between visits.
How long do dental fillings last?
Composite fillings last seven to ten years on average. Porcelain and gold fillings can last 15 to 20 years or more with proper care and regular checkups.
Do fillings hurt?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia. You will feel pressure but not pain. Some sensitivity for a few days after is normal and resolves on its own.
Can a cavity be too big for a filling?
Yes. When decay has destroyed too much of the tooth structure, a filling alone cannot restore it. In that case Dr. Razavi may recommend a crown to protect and rebuild the tooth.
What is the best type of filling for a back tooth?
Gold and porcelain are the most durable options for molars that handle heavy chewing force. Composite is also used successfully on back teeth when the cavity is not too large.
Dental Fillings at Razavi Dental in Philadelphia
Dr. Leily Razavi has been named Philadelphia Magazine Top Dentist six consecutive years. At Razavi Dental we use tooth colored fillings in Philadelphia as our standard — no amalgam, no metal, no gray shadows in your smile.
If you have a cavity or think you might, call (215) 996-7030 or schedule online. Same-week appointments are available at our Center City location on South Street. Learn more about tooth colored fillings at Razavi Dental.