A dental filling is a material used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay, wear, or minor fractures. Once the decayed part of the tooth is removed, the space is cleaned and then filled, restoring the tooth’s shape, strength and function.

At Ridgepark Dental Clinic we primarily use tooth coloured filling materials that blend with your natural enamel so most people will not notice which tooth was treated.

A filling helps to:

• Stop decay from spreading deeper into the tooth
• Relieve sensitivity caused by exposed dentine
• Strengthen the remaining tooth structure
• Restore the tooth so you can chew comfortably again

Signs You May Need a Filling

You should book an examination if you notice:

• Sharp pain when biting down on a particular tooth
• Sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet foods and drinks
• A visible hole, pit, or dark spot on a tooth
• Food constantly getting stuck between the same teeth
• A chipped or worn area that catches with your tongue
• Old fillings that look cracked, stained, or feel rough

Sometimes small cavities have no symptoms at all. That is why regular checkups and X‑rays are important, so we can catch problems before they become painful.

Types of Dental Fillings at Ridgepark Dental Clinic

We choose filling materials based on the location of the tooth, the size of the cavity, your bite and your aesthetic goals.

Tooth‑Coloured Composite Fillings

These are the most common fillings we place.

They:

• Match the colour of your natural teeth
• Bond directly to tooth structure, which helps support it
• Work well for front and back teeth
• Are ideal when appearance is a priority

Composite is a resin based material that we layer and sculpt, then harden with a special light.

Glass Ionomer and Other Specialised Materials

In certain cases, for example around the gum line or in baby teeth, we may use glass ionomer materials. These can release fluoride and are helpful in areas where moisture control is difficult.

If you have existing metal amalgam fillings, we can assess them and discuss whether they are still healthy or whether replacement with tooth coloured materials would be beneficial.

How a Filling Is Done: Step by Step

Many patients are surprised by how simple and comfortable a filling appointment can be.

1. Examination and X‑rays if needed
   We confirm that a filling is the right treatment and check how deep the decay goes.

2. Numbing the tooth
   Local anaesthetic is used so you stay comfortable. You may feel pressure and vibration but not sharp pain.

3. Removing decay
   We gently remove the decayed or weakened part of the tooth with precise instruments.

4. Cleaning and shaping the cavity
   The cavity is cleaned thoroughly and shaped to hold the filling securely.

5. Placing the filling material
   For composite fillings, we apply the material in layers, shaping it to match your tooth’s natural anatomy. Each layer is hardened with a curing light.

6. Checking your bite and polishing
   We ask you to bite on a marking paper so we can adjust any high spots. The filling is then smoothed and polished so it feels natural.

You leave the clinic with a tooth that looks and functions very much like it did before the decay.

Does Getting a Dental Filling Hurt?

With proper local anaesthetic, the filling procedure itself should not be painful. You may feel:

• A small sting when the anaesthetic is first given
• Vibration from the instruments
• Pressure on the tooth while we work

All of this is normal and usually very manageable. If you feel any discomfort during treatment, we encourage you to let us know immediately so we can give more anaesthetic or adjust our technique.

After the filling, the tooth may feel a bit sensitive to cold or biting for a few days. This usually settles on its own. We will tell you what is normal and when to call us if something feels wrong.

Aftercare and What to Expect

Once the anaesthetic wears off, you can use the tooth normally.

It helps to:

• Avoid chewing very hard foods on the new filling for the first day
• Be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue while you are numb
• Brush and floss as usual around the filled tooth

Contact us if:

• The tooth is very painful for more than a few days
• You cannot bite comfortably and it feels “too high”
• You notice a crack, rough edge, or piece of filling missing

A small adjustment is sometimes needed, especially if the filling was large or your bite changed.

Replacing Old or Failing Fillings

Old fillings do not last forever. Over time they can:

• Crack or chip
• Leak at the edges, allowing decay underneath
• Become stained or unsightly, especially in front teeth
• Make the tooth weaker if they are very large

During checkups we assess your existing fillings. If a filling is still sound, we leave it alone. If we see gaps, cracks, or recurrent decay, we will explain the problem and recommend repair or replacement.

Sometimes a very large old filling means the tooth would be better protected with a crown rather than another filling. We will discuss these options clearly with you.

Preventing the Need for More Fillings

While we are happy to treat cavities, we would rather help you avoid them where possible. You can reduce your risk of needing new fillings by:

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Cleaning between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes
• Limiting sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals
• Rinsing with water after sweet or acidic beverages
• Attending regular checkups and professional cleanings

We will also give you personalised advice based on your diet, saliva flow, medical conditions and any signs we see in your mouth.

Cost of Dental Fillings in Nairobi

The cost of a filling depends on:

• The size and depth of the cavity
• The tooth involved, front or back
• The material used
• Whether additional procedures such as X‑rays or a base layer are needed

At Ridgepark Dental Clinic we explain fees in advance and provide a clear treatment plan. Treating a small cavity early is usually much more affordable than waiting until it becomes a deep problem that needs root canal treatment or a crown.

If you are worried about cost, you can talk to us openly. We can often prioritise the most urgent teeth first and plan the rest in stages.