Cavity fillings in Busan
A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay: the decayed tissue is removed and the cavity is rebuilt with composite resin, an inlay or another material. At Dr. Oh's Dental Clinic in Haeundae, Busan, a single composite filling takes about 30 to 45 minutes in one visit.
How we decide what a tooth needs
Small and moderate cavities take a direct composite filling placed and hardened in the mouth in one visit. Larger cavities, particularly on chewing surfaces between teeth, are better restored with a laboratory-made inlay or onlay, which restores the shape and contact point more accurately and lasts longer under load. Very large cavities need a crown.
We show you the X-ray and the intraoral photograph so you can see what we are describing, rather than being told a number of teeth need treatment and left to take it on trust.
Materials
- Composite resin — tooth-coloured, bonded to the tooth, suitable for most cavities. Partly covered by National Health Insurance in many cases.
- Gold inlay — extremely durable, kind to the opposing tooth, visibly metallic. Still common in Korea for molars.
- Ceramic inlay — tooth-coloured and strong, laboratory-made over two visits.
- Glass ionomer — releases fluoride, used in specific situations such as root-surface cavities.
Catching decay early
Early decay causes no symptoms at all. By the time a tooth is sensitive to sweet or cold, the cavity has usually reached the dentine; by the time it aches spontaneously, it may need a root canal. A check-up with bitewing X-rays finds decay between teeth that is invisible to the eye, which is the single strongest argument for the routine check-up most people skip.
After a filling
You can eat once the anaesthetic wears off — composite is fully set immediately. Mild cold sensitivity for a week or two is normal in deeper fillings. If the tooth feels high when you bite, come back for a quick adjustment; that is a two-minute fix and there is no reason to live with it.
Frequently asked questions
Are white fillings covered by Korean health insurance?
Composite resin fillings are covered by National Health Insurance in a range of situations, though coverage depends on the tooth, the patient's age and the clinical indication. Gold and ceramic inlays are generally private. We tell you which category your treatment falls into before starting.
How long do fillings last?
Composite fillings typically last five to ten years, inlays longer. Lifespan depends more on the size of the filling, your bite and your cleaning habits than on the material. Fillings do not last forever, and replacing one before it fails is far less costly than treating the decay underneath it.
Does getting a filling hurt?
Local anaesthetic makes the procedure painless. Very small, shallow cavities can sometimes be treated without anaesthetic if you prefer. Tell us if you are anxious about injections; we can use a topical gel first and work slowly.
My old amalgam filling is dark. Should I replace it?
Not automatically. A sound amalgam filling that is sealing well does not need replacing simply because it is grey. We replace fillings when there is decay at the margin, a crack, or a fracture. If you want it changed for appearance, that is a reasonable choice, but it should be a decision rather than a diagnosis.