Dental Fillings in Velachery
A dental filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay, a small chip or wear. The decayed part is removed, and the space is filled to restore the tooth’s shape and stop the damage spreading. It helps anyone with a cavity or a broken old filling. At our Velachery clinic, Dr. Sivaranjani mainly uses tooth-coloured fillings, usually in a single visit.
- ★ 4.9 Google rating
- Periyar Nagar, Velachery (near Phoenix MarketCity)
- Mon–Sat 10 AM – 8:30 PM
What is a dental filling?
When decay eats into a tooth, it leaves a hole called a cavity. A filling seals that hole. It stops bacteria going deeper and lets you chew normally again. Fillings also repair chipped edges and teeth worn down by grinding.
Types of filling
- Composite (tooth-coloured resin): matched to your tooth shade and bonded to the tooth in thin layers. Each layer is hardened with a blue curing light. Because it bonds, less healthy tooth usually needs to be removed. It suits small to medium cavities in front and back teeth.
- Glass ionomer (GIC): a tooth-coloured material that sticks to the tooth and slowly releases fluoride. This helps protect against new decay. It is often used for milk teeth and cavities near the gum line. It is not as strong as composite, so it is less suited to heavy biting surfaces on adult back teeth.
- Metal (silver amalgam): strong and long-lasting, but silver in colour, and it needs more tooth removed. It is used much less today and is generally avoided in children and during pregnancy.
For a very large cavity, a ceramic inlay or a crown may serve the tooth better.
Who needs a filling? Signs to watch for
- A hole or dark spot you can see or feel
- Food getting stuck in the same place
- Sensitivity to sweet, cold or hot food
- A sharp edge, chip or small crack
- An old filling that is broken or has fallen out
Early cavities often cause no symptoms. They are found at check-ups or on X-rays.
Step by step at our clinic
- Check and X-ray if needed. Dr. Sivaranjani looks at the tooth and may take a small X-ray to see how deep the decay goes.
- Numbing. Local anaesthesia numbs the tooth. Very small, shallow cavities sometimes do not need it.
- Removing decay. The decayed part is removed and the cavity is cleaned and kept dry.
- Placing the filling. For composite, a bonding agent is applied. The filling is then built up in layers, each hardened with the curing light.
- Checking your bite. You bite on thin marking paper so any high spots can be smoothed.
- Polishing, so the filling feels smooth and resists staining.
Is a tooth filling painful?
Fillings are done under local anaesthesia when needed. Most people feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. The numbness usually wears off in a few hours. Some soreness of the gum or injection site for a day or two is normal.
How many sittings does a filling take?
| Treatment | Usual visits |
|---|---|
| One composite or glass ionomer filling | 1 visit |
| Several fillings | 1 or more visits, often split by side of the mouth |
| Ceramic inlay for a large cavity | Usually 2 visits, as it is made in a lab |
| Check-up to look for new decay | Every 6 months |
Sensitivity after a filling
A filled tooth often feels sensitive to cold, sweet food or biting for a few days to a few weeks. This is more likely after a deep filling. It should slowly get better.
- If it hurts mainly when you bite, the filling may be slightly high. A quick adjustment usually fixes it.
- If pain lingers after cold, throbs, or wakes you at night, the nerve may be inflamed. The tooth may then need root canal treatment.
A sensitivity toothpaste can help. Read about the common causes of tooth sensitivity.
Filling, crown or root canal?
| Option | When it is usually advised |
|---|---|
| Filling | Decay or damage is small to medium, and plenty of healthy tooth remains |
| Crown | A large part of the tooth is lost or cracked, or an old filling is very large |
| Root canal treatment | Decay or infection has reached the nerve (pulp), causing lingering pain, night pain or swelling |
After a root canal, the tooth is sealed with a filling. Back teeth usually also need a crown to protect them. See root canal treatment and dental crowns.
Recovery and aftercare
- Wait until the numbness wears off before eating or hot drinks. This avoids biting your cheek or burning your mouth.
- Composite fillings are fully hard before you leave. After a metal filling, avoid chewing on that side for 24 hours.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily.
- If you grind your teeth, ask about a night guard to protect your fillings.
Risks and when to call us
Fillings are routine and low-risk. Possible problems include sensitivity, a high bite or chipping. Over time, edges can stain or new decay can form around a filling. A very deep cavity can sometimes need a root canal later, even after a good filling. Allergy to filling materials is rare. Call us if:
- Biting still hurts after a few days
- You have lingering or throbbing pain, or swelling
- A filling breaks, falls out or leaves a sharp edge
Tooth filling cost in Chennai: what affects it
Cost depends on how many teeth need fillings, the size of each cavity and how many surfaces it covers. It also depends on the material, and whether X-rays or a protective lining are needed. If a crown or root canal would serve the tooth better, we explain why. We give you a written estimate after your check-up, before treatment starts. Ask us about payment options.
Why patients choose Luxe Dental
- Dr. Sivaranjani has been practising since 2014, with training in aesthetic dentistry.
- Rated 4.9★ from 272 Google reviews (October 2026).
- One dentist sees you through, from check-up to filling to follow-up.
- In Velachery, near the Phoenix MarketCity parking exit gate.
- Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM.
FAQs
How long do fillings last?
Many last 5 to 10 years or more. It depends on the size and position of the filling, the material, your bite, grinding and how well you clean. Check-ups help us spot wear early.
Are tooth-coloured fillings strong enough for back teeth?
Yes, composite works well for small and medium cavities in back teeth. For very large cavities, an inlay or crown may be stronger.
Can a filling fall out?
It can, though it is not common. Causes include new decay under the filling, biting very hard food, grinding, or a large filling in a weak tooth. Avoid chewing on that side and call us for an appointment.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
Not if they are intact and healthy, because removing a sound filling takes away more tooth. We replace them if they are broken, leaking or have decay around them. If you prefer a tooth-coloured look, we will discuss the pros and cons.
Do I always need an injection?
No. Very small, shallow cavities can often be filled without one. For deeper cavities, local anaesthesia keeps you comfortable.
Can children have fillings in milk teeth?
Yes. Fixing a decayed milk tooth prevents pain and infection. See kids’ dental care.
Related treatments
Book a visit in Velachery
If you have a sensitive tooth, a dark spot or a broken filling, book a check-up with Dr. Sivaranjani. Call +91 99977 97777, WhatsApp us or get directions.
Luxe Dental Clinic, No 3, 76A, Second Floor, Radha Mohan Street, Periyar Nagar, Velachery, Chennai 600042 (near Phoenix MarketCity). Open Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM. Sunday closed. See clinic details, map and directions.
