Fillings
A filling repairs a tooth after decay is removed. Modern tooth-colored composite is the default in most practices; the visit is usually done in under an hour under local anesthetic.
How it works
The dentist numbs the area, removes decayed tooth structure, and fills the space in layers hardened with a curing light. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal; pain that worsens or lingers for weeks warrants a follow-up, since deep decay can involve the nerve.
Filling vs. crown vs. root canal
Small to moderate cavities take fillings. When too much tooth is gone, a crown protects what remains. If decay reaches the pulp (the nerve), a root canal comes first. Catching a cavity while it's still filling-sized is the whole economic case for checkups.
What it costs
Composite fillings commonly run $150–$450 per tooth without insurance nationally, varying with size and location of the cavity. Prices vary by market and case — always ask for a written, itemized quote. Worried about affording it? See every real way to bring the cost down.
Related
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General dental-health information, not medical or dental advice. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.