Fillings & extractions
Teeth Fillings
Dental fillings are restorative treatments used to repair teeth damaged by bacterial decay, structural wear, or minor fractures — restoring natural chewing function and sealing the tooth against future infection.
When a filling may be considered
When bacteria in dental plaque ferment sugars from food, they produce acids that gradually dissolve enamel and penetrate into the softer dentine layer underneath. Left untreated, a cavity progressively enlarges, causing sensitivity to sweet or cold foods, food packing between teeth, and eventually nerve pain.
A filling is indicated when a physical cavity has formed, when an existing filling has cracked or developed secondary leakage around its edges, or when tooth structure has chipped due to bite trauma. The treatment removes diseased, softened tissue and replaces it with a stable restorative material.
Assessment before treatment
Before placing any restoration, an accurate clinical assessment is essential. At Mantsho Dental, we inspect the tooth visually and tactilely during a full-mouth oral assessment.
Depth & proximity to pulp
How close the decay extends toward the living nerve. When necessary, dental X-rays clarify depth.
Remaining tooth walls
Whether enough natural tooth structure remains to retain a direct filling comfortably, or whether other restorative options must be discussed.
Questions about options and care
How local anaesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout the preparation.
Checking that top and bottom teeth fit together without high spots.
When normal chewing can resume, based on the material selected.
Fillings and other treatment discussions
A filling is part of a broader restorative spectrum. Early surface demineralisation can sometimes be managed preventively with fluoride treatment and improved daily hygiene.
Conversely, if decay has destroyed most of the clinical crown or reached the nerve, we discuss whether root canal treatment, a crown, or a tooth extraction is appropriate.
Teeth filling questions
Why might a tooth need a filling?
When bacterial caries has eroded a physical hole into the tooth, when an older restoration has failed, or to repair chips and fractures.
Is an assessment needed first?
Yes. A clinical examination (and X-rays if indicated) verifies the depth of the cavity, confirms nerve status, and ensures a filling is the correct, long-lasting solution.
What can I ask about filling materials?
You can ask about tooth-coloured composite resins versus other options, their aesthetic blending, durability, and suitability for the biting force on that specific tooth.
What about comfort and aftercare?
Local anaesthetic keeps the tooth numb and comfortable. Mild post-operative sensitivity to extreme temperatures is normal for a few days as the tooth settles.
What about existing fillings?
Existing fillings are inspected during routine assessments. They need replacement only if there is evidence of recurrent decay, marginal breakdown, or structural cracks.
Related services
Need to discuss a dental filling?
Call Mantsho Dental on 063 289 0889 to speak with our Johannesburg South practice and book an assessment.