A small cavity today is a 30-minute filling. Left for a few months, the same tooth may need a root canal. A filling is the simplest way to stop decay in time.
1. When do you need a filling?
- A tooth is sensitive to cold, sweet food or brushing.
- You notice a dark spot, a small hole, or food keeps getting stuck in one place.
- A piece of tooth has chipped off after a knock or biting something hard.
- An old filling has fallen out, cracked or discoloured.
- A wedge-shaped notch at the gum line is making the tooth sensitive.
Early decay usually does not hurt. That is why many cavities are only found at a check-up and on an X-ray.
2. How a filling is done at HiDentist
- Examination and X-ray: the dentist checks how deep the cavity is and whether the nerve is affected. The examination and X-ray are free.
- Local anaesthetic if the cavity is close to the nerve — shallow cavities usually do not need it.
- Cleaning: decayed tissue is removed while keeping as much healthy tooth as possible.
- Filling: tooth-coloured composite is placed in layers and hardened with a curing light.
- Bite adjustment and polishing so the filling feels natural when you chew.
3. How long does it take?
Usually 20–40 minutes per tooth, in a single visit. Several teeth can be filled in one appointment. Composite hardens immediately under the light, so you can eat as soon as the numbness wears off.
4. Cost
- Filling: 100,000 – 500,000 ₫ per tooth, depending on the size and position of the cavity.
- Examination and X-ray: free.
The dentist gives you an exact price for each tooth after the examination, before any treatment starts. See the full price list, including approximate prices in US dollars.
5. When a filling is no longer enough
- Decay has reached the nerve and the tooth aches on its own or at night — root canal treatment comes first.
- The tooth is badly broken down — a large filling tends to fail, so an inlay/onlay or a crown is more reliable.
6. If you are visiting Nha Trang
- A filling takes one visit, so it fits easily into a short trip.
- You can fly after a filling — no waiting period is needed.
- Message us on WhatsApp beforehand and we will find a time that suits you.
For what can realistically be done during a holiday, read Dental treatment while visiting Nha Trang.
7. Aftercare
- Wait until the numbness has gone before eating, so you do not bite your lip or cheek.
- The tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold for a few days — this usually settles by itself.
- If the filling feels high when you bite, come back; adjusting it takes a few minutes.
- Brush twice a day, floss, and have a check-up every six months.
8. Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt?
Shallow cavities cause almost no discomfort. For deep ones the dentist uses a local anaesthetic, so you feel no pain during the procedure.
How long does a filling last?
It depends on the tooth, the size of the filling and how you look after it. Fillings are checked at every routine visit and replaced if they crack or start to leak.
Will the filling show?
The material is matched to the shade of your tooth, so it is hard to notice when you talk or smile.
