A filling repairs a cavity and stops the breakdown of the tooth. Read what a filling costs, which types exist and how long they last.
A composite filling costs roughly €50 to €200 and depends on the size and number of surfaces. For adults a filling is usually not covered by basic insurance; a supplementary dental insurance often reimburses part of it.
Through sensitivity to sweet, cold or hot, pain when chewing or a visible hole or brown spot. Many cavities cause no symptoms at first; that is why regular check-ups are important.
Composite is tooth-coloured and is standard nowadays. Amalgam (silver-coloured) has in principle no longer been allowed in the EU since 2025.
On average 7 to 10 years, sometimes much longer. Large fillings, grinding and new decay along the edge shorten the lifespan.
An early chalky spot can recover with fluoride and good oral hygiene. A real hole in the tooth does not heal on its own and must be filled.