Dental fillings in Küsnacht: composite or ceramic?

A dental filling replaces tooth structure that has been lost to decay or a fracture, and protects the tooth from further damage. At our practice in Küsnacht, we use tooth-coloured materials: composite fillings for small to medium-sized defects and ceramic inlays or onlays for larger ones. Which solution is right depends on the size of the defect, the position of the tooth and your preferences.

When does a tooth need a filling?

Decay is usually the cause: bacteria dissolve the hard tooth structure and a cavity forms. Chipped corners of teeth or old, leaking fillings also need to be replaced. The earlier a defect is treated, the smaller the filling and the more healthy tooth structure is preserved.

Many defects are not yet noticeable to you. That is why regular check-ups and professional teeth cleaning are worthwhile, as they allow decay to be detected early.

Composite fillings: tooth-coloured and shaped directly

Composite is a tooth-coloured resin containing fine ceramic or glass particles. It is placed in the prepared tooth while soft, shaped and then hardened with light. This means the filling is completed in a single session.

• Advantages: the colour can be closely matched to the tooth, it is gentle on tooth structure, it is completed in one session and it is usually less expensive than a ceramic inlay.
• Limitations: composite can discolour over time and wears slightly more than ceramic. For very large defects in the back teeth, an inlay or onlay is often the more stable solution.

Ceramic inlays and onlays: for larger defects

An inlay is a precisely made ceramic filling that is bonded into the tooth. An onlay also covers one or more cusps of the tooth. Ceramic is very colour-stable, hardly discolours and withstands high chewing forces.

With CEREC, we can make inlays, onlays and crowns directly at the practice: after a digital 3D scan, the restoration is designed, milled and usually fitted on the same day. Alternatively, our Swiss laboratory makes the restoration, which takes about a week. If the tooth is so weakened that even an onlay is no longer sufficient, a dental crown is the better choice.

Treating decay with a laser

We can remove smaller areas of decay with an Er:YAG laser (Syneron). This is often more comfortable than the drill and spares healthy tooth structure. The tooth is then filled with composite. Larger defects and old fillings made of amalgam, metal or ceramic can usually not be treated with the laser. You can read more about this under Laser treatment for tooth decay.

Replacing amalgam fillings

If you have old amalgam fillings, you can have them replaced with tooth-coloured fillings on request. Depending on the size, the tooth is then restored with composite or a ceramic inlay. Whether a replacement is worthwhile is something we discuss together after the examination.

How we work at our practice

• Examination: We examine the tooth and explain which filling is suitable and why.
• Costs: On request, you will receive a cost estimate in advance, which you can also submit to your insurer.
• Treatment: If necessary, we numb the tooth with a local anaesthetic, remove the decay and keep the tooth dry so that the filling bonds securely.
• Finishing: The filling is adjusted to your bite and polished.

If you feel nervous about the treatment, please let us know. We take our time, and treatment with nitrous oxide is available on request. You can find out more on our page for anxious patients.

Frequently asked questions

Does a filling hurt?

Usually not, because the tooth is numbed with a local anaesthetic if necessary. After treatment, the tooth may be sensitive to cold or pressure for a few days. If this lasts longer, please get in touch with us.

How much does a filling cost?

That depends on the size and number of fillings and on the material. A composite filling is usually less expensive than a ceramic inlay. On request, we will prepare a cost estimate for you in advance. You can find the basis of our billing under Tariff point values.

How long does a filling last?

That depends on the material, the size of the filling, your oral hygiene and habits such as teeth grinding. Ceramic is generally more wear-resistant than composite. Regular check-ups help to detect marginal gaps or discolouration early.

Can I get my filling on the same day?

Yes. Composite fillings are usually completed in one session. We can usually fit ceramic inlays and onlays on the same day with CEREC. Restorations from the laboratory take about a week.

Do you have a cavity or would you like to have an old filling replaced? Book your appointment here at our practice in Küsnacht.