# Tooth Fillings Bali | Dentist Near Me Bali > Tooth fillings in Bali for cavities, sensitivity and broken fillings: filling types, the one-visit process and when a crown is better. URL: https://dentistnearmebali.com/tooth-fillings/ Fillings # Tooth-Coloured Fillings in Bali, Usually in One Visit Last updated: 29 October 2026 Fillings repair teeth damaged by decay or small fractures and replace old fillings that are leaking or cracked. This page explains the filling types available (verified only), the usual single-visit process, numbing, how long fillings last and when a crown is the better option. Request an Appointment [/book-appointment/ →](/book-appointment/) How it works [#how-it-works →](#how-it-works) In pain? Mark your request as urgent. ![Dentist placing a tooth-coloured filling for a calm patient](/images/hero/dentist-and-assistant-placing-a-tooth-coloured-com.webp) - Plain-English info - Online request - Visitor guidance - Clear, plain-English treatment information - Online appointment request form - Guides for visitors: flying, insurance and treatment timelines ## What Is a Tooth Filling? A filling repairs a tooth that’s been damaged by decay or a small fracture. The dentist removes the damaged part and fills the space with a material that restores the tooth’s shape and lets you chew normally again. It’s the most common type of restorative dentistry, and usually the simplest. Decay (dental caries) starts in the hard outer enamel and works its way in. In the early stages it may cause no pain at all, which is why check-ups [/dental-check-ups/ →](/dental-check-ups/) matter. Once it reaches the softer layer underneath, the tooth often becomes sensitive to sweets and cold. Left longer, decay can reach the nerve and lead to toothache, a root canal [/root-canal-treatment/ →](/root-canal-treatment/) or even losing the tooth. Fillings are also used to replace old fillings that have cracked, leaked or developed new decay around the edges (secondary decay). ## Types of Fillings | Material | What it is | Typically used for | | --- | --- | --- | | Composite resin | Tooth-coloured plastic and glass mix, set with a curing light | Most front and back teeth fillings | | Glass ionomer | Tooth-coloured material that releases fluoride | Fillings near the gumline, children’s teeth, temporary repairs | | Dental amalgam | Silver-coloured metal alloy | Being phased down; rarely placed new | | Inlay or onlay | A lab-made piece bonded into the tooth | Larger repairs where a filling would be weak | The materials offered will be confirmed by the clinic. If you have a preference, mention it when you request your appointment. ## How a Filling Is Done Most fillings take one visit. After numbing the tooth with local anaesthetic, the dentist removes the decay, cleans the cavity and applies a bonding agent. Composite is then placed in thin layers, each hardened with a curing light. Finally the filling is shaped, your bite is checked and the surface is polished. > **Visiting Bali?** > > A filling is usually a single appointment, so it fits easily into a holiday. Ask for your treatment notes so your home dentist knows what was done. ## When a Filling Isn’t Enough A filling relies on the healthy tooth around it for strength. If too much of the tooth is gone, or there’s a crack running through it, a crown [/dental-crowns-bridges/ →](/dental-crowns-bridges/) or onlay may protect it better. If the decay has reached the nerve and the tooth aches on its own, a root canal may be needed first. The dentist will show you what they see on the X-ray and explain the options. ## Aftercare - Wait until the numbness wears off before eating - Expect mild sensitivity to cold for a few days - If your bite feels high or uneven, contact the clinic for a quick adjustment - Keep up brushing, cleaning between teeth and regular check-ups to protect the filling Common reasons ## When Might You Need Tooth Fillings? ### A small hole or dark spot on a tooth This is often dental caries (decay). Caught early, it needs only a small filling rather than a root canal or crown. ### Pain when biting on sweets or cold drinks Short, sharp sensitivity often points to decay or a leaking old filling. It's worth checking before it becomes constant pain. ### An old silver filling that cracked Old dental amalgam fillings can crack or leak over time. They can be replaced with tooth-coloured material if the tooth is suitable. ### A filling fell out on holiday The tooth may feel sharp or sensitive. A dentist can replace it or place a temporary filling until you get home. Step by step ## How Does Tooth Fillings Work? What usually happens from your request to the end of treatment. The dentist will explain anything specific to your case. 1. 01 ### Step 1: Check and confirm The dentist examines the tooth and may take an X-ray to see how deep the decay goes and whether the nerve is involved. 2. 02 ### Step 2: Numbing A local anaesthetic numbs the tooth and gum. You'll feel pressure and vibration but should not feel pain. 3. 03 ### Step 3: Remove decay and prepare Decay and any old filling are removed, and the tooth is cleaned and treated with a bonding agent so the filling sticks well. 4. 04 ### Step 4: Place and set the filling Composite resin is shaded to match your tooth, placed in thin layers and hardened with a curing light. 5. 05 ### Step 5: Shape and polish The filling is shaped, your bite is checked and the surface is polished so it feels smooth against your tongue. What to expect ## Fillings: A Visual Walkthrough 1\. The cavity is confirmed on exam and X-ray. 2\. The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic. 3\. Composite is placed in layers and set with light. 4\. Your bite is checked and the filling polished. ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) Illustrative images. Genuine clinic photographs will be added once the practice is verified. Cost ## How Much Does Tooth Fillings Cost in Bali? Prices aren't published yet. The cost of tooth fillings depends on the factors below, and you'll receive an itemised quote before any treatment begins. Ask for a written, itemised quote in IDR before treatment starts, and keep the final invoice and treatment notes if you plan to claim on insurance. No prices are published until the clinic confirms them. Ask for a quote per tooth before treatment. | What affects the price | Why it matters | | --- | --- | | Size of the filling | A small filling on one surface takes less time and material than a large one covering several surfaces. | | Material | Composite resin and glass ionomer are priced differently. Larger repairs may need an inlay or onlay made in a lab. | | Number of teeth | Several fillings can sometimes be done in one longer visit, which may be more efficient than separate trips. | | Replacing an old filling | Removing an old or leaking filling and treating secondary decay underneath adds time. | Questions ## Tooth Fillings FAQs ### How long does a tooth filling take? A single small filling often takes 20-40 minutes. Larger fillings or several teeth in one visit take longer. Most fillings are finished in one appointment. ### Do fillings hurt? The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you'll feel pressure and vibration but not pain. The injection itself can sting briefly; a numbing gel is often used first. Your lip and cheek may stay numb for a couple of hours. ### What are tooth-coloured fillings made of? Most tooth-coloured fillings are composite resin, a mix of plastic and fine glass particles that's shaded to match your tooth and set with a curing light. Glass ionomer is another tooth-coloured option often used near the gumline or for temporary repairs. The materials used at the clinic will be confirmed before treatment. ### How long do fillings last? A well-placed composite filling commonly lasts many years, often 7-10 or more, depending on its size, where it is in the mouth, your bite and how well you look after your teeth. Grinding and frequent sugary snacks shorten its life. ### When is a crown better than a filling? If a large part of the tooth is missing or cracked, a filling may not be strong enough and the tooth can break. A crown covers and protects the whole tooth. Back teeth that have had a root canal often need a crown for the same reason. Your dentist will explain which suits your tooth. ### Can I eat after a filling? Composite fillings are hard as soon as they're set, so you can eat once the numbness wears off. Waiting avoids biting your cheek or tongue. Your tooth may feel sensitive to cold for a few days. ### Should I replace my old amalgam fillings? Not automatically. Amalgam fillings that are intact and not leaking can stay in place. They are usually replaced when they crack, leak or have decay around them. Many countries are phasing down amalgam use under the Minamata Convention, so tooth-coloured materials are now the usual choice for new fillings. ### Is it safe to fly after a filling? Yes. A filling won't stop you flying, even the same day. If the tooth throbs strongly after treatment, contact the clinic, as it can be a sign the nerve is irritated. See all dental FAQs [/faq/ →](/faq/) Areas We Serve ## Patients Travelling from Across Bali Patients come to the clinic for tooth fillings from Seminyak & Legian [/areas/seminyak/ →](/areas/seminyak/) , Kuta & Sunset Road [/areas/kuta/ →](/areas/kuta/) , Denpasar [/areas/denpasar/ →](/areas/denpasar/) , Canggu [/areas/canggu/ →](/areas/canggu/) , Sanur [/areas/sanur/ →](/areas/sanur/) and Ubud [/areas/ubud/ →](/areas/ubud/) . Each area page covers realistic travel times, local logistics and the dental questions people there ask most. Tooth Fillings is one of the treatments patients from Seminyak, Kuta and Denpasar ask about most. All treatment takes place at the clinic itself, not at your accommodation. Keep reading ## Related Treatments ![](/images/hero/friendly-dentist-chatting-with-a-relaxed-expat-wom.webp) [/dental-check-ups/ →](/dental-check-ups/) ### Dental Check-Ups [/dental-check-ups/ →](/dental-check-ups/) A full examination of teeth, gums and mouth to catch problems early. About check-ups [/dental-check-ups/ →](/dental-check-ups/) ![](/images/hero/dentist-wearing-magnifying-loupes-calmly-performin.webp) [/root-canal-treatment/ →](/root-canal-treatment/) ### Root Canal Treatment [/root-canal-treatment/ →](/root-canal-treatment/) Treatment for an infected or inflamed tooth nerve that relieves pain and saves the tooth. About root canal [/root-canal-treatment/ →](/root-canal-treatment/) ![](/images/hero/dentist-holding-a-natural-looking-ceramic-dental-c.webp) [/dental-crowns-bridges/ →](/dental-crowns-bridges/) ### Dental Crowns & Bridges [/dental-crowns-bridges/ →](/dental-crowns-bridges/) Crowns to protect cracked, worn or root-treated teeth, and bridges to replace missing teeth. About crowns & bridges [/dental-crowns-bridges/ →](/dental-crowns-bridges/) ![](/images/hero/bright-welcoming-boutique-dental-clinic-reception-.webp) Ready when you are ## Ready to Ask About Fillings? Tell the clinic what you need and when you're free. It will contact you to confirm your fillings appointment. Request an Appointment [/book-appointment/ →](/book-appointment/) Urgent Dental Help [/emergency-dentist/ →](/emergency-dentist/) In pain? Mark your request as urgent.