Dental

Resin filling (composite)

Composite resin filling · Tooth-colored filling · Light-cured composite resin

At a glance

Recovery
No downtime
Pain
Mild
Sessions
1 session
Type
Non-surgical

What it is

A tooth-colored material (resin mixed with powdered glass, quartz or silica) placed directly into a cavity or chip and hardened with a curing light, usually in one visit. The same material is used for cosmetic bonding to reshape chipped or uneven teeth.

Who it’s for

People with small to moderate cavities, chips or cracks. Larger damage may need an inlay, onlay or crown instead.

How it’s done

The tooth is numbed if needed and the decay is removed. Resin is placed, hardened with a curing light, then shaped and polished.

Why we don’t list a price

What to get in writing

Recovery

You can usually return to normal activities right away unless you were sedated. Mild sensitivity and gum soreness can last a week or two.

Risks and side effects

  • Temporary sensitivity to hot, cold or biting
  • Gum soreness around the tooth
  • Chipping, wear or staining over time
  • The filling will eventually need replacing

Thinking about this one?

This counts interest, not results.

Be the first to answer

Questions to ask the clinic

Tick each one as you ask it. Ticks stay on this screen only; save this page to find the questions again.

Aftercare

  • Wait until numbness wears off before eating
  • Use over-the-counter pain relievers if the tooth is sore
  • See the dentist if your bite feels high or sensitivity lasts beyond two weeks

Questions people ask

How long do resin fillings last?

It varies. Cleveland Clinic gives 5–8 years for cosmetic bonding and says fillings in general can last 10–20 years, depending on the material and care.

Why do clinics use resin instead of silver (amalgam)?

Resin matches tooth color. The FDA has also issued updated guidance on amalgam for higher-risk groups, such as people planning a pregnancy and children under 6.

How is resin priced in Korea?

In the national non-covered fee data, resin fillings are listed by number of surfaces and by cause (decay or wear). Ask for a written estimate per tooth.

Sources

Facts on this page come from medical societies, public agencies and medical journals.

  1. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17002-dental-fillings(opens in a new tab)
  2. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23914-cosmetic-dentistry(opens in a new tab)
  3. mohw.go.kr/board.es(opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not medical advice, and we don’t refer you to any clinic. We don’t list clinic names, reviews or rankings. Unnie Note is an independent publication with no ties to any clinic or booking service.

How to check a clinic before you book

Advertisements

See all

More to explore