Dental treatment
Treating tooth decay (fillings)
Drilling out the decay and filling it with white composite or amalgam. A basic treatment at every practice.
Price
500 to 3,500 CZK depending on material and size
Public insurance coverage
Yes, an amalgam filling is fully covered. A white composite filling has a top-up or is paid fully privately.
Duration
20 to 60 minutes depending on the size
Recovery
No recovery time
About the treatment
The dentist removes the decayed tissue with a drill, prepares the tooth and fills it with composite or amalgam. Amalgam is being phased out of the EU market from 2025, so modern clinics use composite.
Step by step
- 1Diagnosis, an X-ray if needed
- 2Anaesthetic for deeper decay
- 3Drilling out the decay
- 4Applying an isolating material (for deeper decay)
- 5Layering the composite and light-curing it
- 6Adjusting the bite and polishing
Aftercare
- check_circleThe anaesthetic wears off in 2 to 4 hours, bite carefully until then
- check_circleSensitivity to cold can last 2 to 4 weeks
- check_circleIf pain persists, contact the dentist; it may be pulp inflammation
Risks and complications
- warningPulp inflammation with deep decay, requiring a root canal
- warningA filling chipping when biting, a routine repair
- warningSecondary decay under the filling, checked every year
Frequently asked questions
White or amalgam filling?expand_more
White composite looks better and bonds better. Amalgam is more durable for large fillings in molars.
How long does it last?expand_more
Amalgam 15 to 20 years, composite 7 to 12 years.