Dental / Tooth Filling Procedure

A tooth filling is used whenever there is a tooth that requires repair from an area that has been damaged either by trauma or decay. Dental filling procedures are also one of the most common treatments to be performed around the world. 

There are different types of tooth filling materials to choose from, which can range from silver coloured amalgam dental fillings to tooth-coloured options like composite resin, glass ionomer cement and porcelain material. 

Reasons for Dental Filling

The different uses for a tooth filling may include:

  • To restore a cavity 
  • Fix minor chips or cracks in teeth
  • Fix old “leaking” tooth fillings that are causing sensitivity
  • Cosmetically building up a tooth either directly (e.g. composite resin) or indirectly (e.g. porcelain or gold) with dental filling to change its size or shape or even colour

The full range of dental filling Hong Kong materials can be chosen from and according to each and every case. The decision to use which tooth filling material will be decided with careful planning and thorough discussion with you and our dentist – Dr. Tong. 

What Kinds of Tooth Filling Materials Are There?

Dental fillings can be made out of tooth-coloured materials such as composite resin, porcelain, glass-ionomer cements, resin modified cements, or ceramic fillings. 

Other materials that are usually used for tooth fillings in Hong Kong and abroad can be metals such as amalgam, silver and gold fillings. Amalgam however is an older material used in dental filling procedures that is no longer used at our surgery. 

Overview of Dental Filling Procedure

Each tooth filling material used requires different steps to restore a tooth*. However, here is an example of steps involved in having a plastic or composite resin dental filling placed:

* Other materials such as porcelain or gold used for a dental filling in Hong Kong may require additional steps, these require a lab to be involved and may need extra appointments).

Step 1: Consultation


Prior to proceeding with the dental filling procedure, Dr Tong prefers to have a detailed discussion and explain the treatment plan with you. As mentioned above, the type and way we fill the tooth is dependent on its presentation therefore we will always gain your informed consent before starting. This means that you can ask us any questions or raise any concerns about the tooth filling if you have any at this point.

Step 2: Examination


Sometimes we may need to examine the tooth (or teeth) once more with a probe or dye, and also possibly through x-ray prior to starting the dental filling procedure. This is especially the case if there has been a delay in starting treatment after the initial assessment. It allows us to confirm that our diagnosis is the same, and also pick up on anything new that would affect the tooth filling.

Step 3: Local Anaesthetic


In most cases, the cavity or defect in your tooth is large and near the nerves, which is why local anaesthetic is needed to numb the tooth and surrounding gums, as well as soften tissues for your comfort. If the tooth filling needing to be placed is small or you prefer to have treatment without local anaesthetic, numbing during tooth filling in Hong Kong can be avoided.

Step 4: Removal of Decay


For this step in the dental filling procedure, special equipment and tools that are designed to remove decay or freshen up the tooth are used to ensure that sufficient healthy tooth structure and surface area is available for the tooth filling material to bond with. First, the use of drills will remove the bulk of decay. Then a special acidic gel is used to create porosities in the tooth to increase its surface area, this is applied for approximately 10-15 seconds and washed off. During the tooth filling procedure, it may taste very sour in the mouth but it is washed off quickly and our nurse will make sure to suck up the residual acid so it does not cause irritation or leave a sour taste in the mouth. During this part of the dental filling procedure, you should not feel any pain but you may feel pressure or movement in the tooth from the drill. Feel free to ask for breaks during dental filling in Hong Kong if needed.

Step 5: Filling the Cavity


Next, bonding material washed over the entire prepared cavity and composite resin is placed layer by layer and formed to the ideal shape and size we want the tooth to look like. At this stage, a blue light will be used to harden the tooth filling material. At this point, we will use a blue piece of paper and ask you to bite down slowly so that we can identify any ‘high spots’ and remove them as needed.

Step 6: Final Polishing


As the final step in the dental filling procedure, special polishing burs or strips will be used to smoothen any rough or sharp edges of the tooth filling that may not be visible to the eyes. You may be asked to run your tongue along the dental filling as well to check for smoothness.

How Can I Prevent the Need for a Tooth Filling?

To prevent the need for a tooth filling in Hong Kong, make sure that you keep up with regular check-ups with Dr. Tong, clean the teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush, and also use floss concomitantly and alcohol-free mouth rinse 1-2 times a week. 

We recommend avoiding sugary foods that can lead to a lower pH in the mouth, and allow for a breeding ground for bacteria to feed off plaque and release acid that dissolves your teeth. Also, rinse your mouth after meals or reduce snacking. Try to choose snacks that are sugar free or promote oral health such as sugar free gum, cheese, crackers, boiled eggs, edamame, yogurt, or nuts and seeds.

If you do not follow these instructions, there is a high chance for bacteria to create cavities in your teeth and the need for a dental filling in Hong Kong may then be eventually needed. 

Any Potential Complications After a Dental Filling Procedure?

All tooth fillings have risks and potential complications that should be discussed with you before treatment begins. Some potential complications may be:

Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and food after a tooth filling is very common. This can persist for weeks to months depending on how deep the tooth filling in Hong Kong was placed. The closer the dental filling is to the nerve, the higher probability for sensitivity to persist.

However, this condition is usually temporary and will eventually resolve. Ways to manage hypersensitivity include using Sensodyne toothpaste for brushing your teeth and dental fillings in Hong Kong. You may opt to smear a pea sized amount of sensodyne toothpaste over the sensitive tooth and leave it on overnight.

Pain during biting or chewing could indicate a remaining high-spot in the dental filling that could lead to a “bruising effect” for your tooth which can cause immense pain even from biting softly onto the tooth. After the dental filling procedure, you can call in to arrange a follow up appointment and we will perform adjustment of the dental filling as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can take pain relief medication such as Panadol before the appointment. 

If pain is getting worse – which is quite rare after getting a dental filling, but throbbing pain or spontaneous pain after placement of a tooth filling may indicate that the tooth has pulpitis and is inflamed. This can occur when the initial dental caries is very deep leading to deep tooth filling placement. In such cases, you will require additional treatment and removal of the nerve to resolve the pain. Moreover, over time, hard chewing and biting on the tooth filling continuously can also cause it to deteriorate and create cracks or gaps between your tooth and the tooth filling. 

Sometimes pain may not be as clear cut after a tooth filling in Hong Kong has been placed and in those cases that may indicate a chronic infection. 

Although rare, a chronic infection can be a potential outcome of a tooth filling Hong Kong procedure. A chronic infection or abscess may precipitate if the initial pain or discomfort is ignored, ultimately leading to further destruction of the tooth and infection spreading to the end of the roots of the tooth. If this results, a simple dental filling procedure will be insufficient to manage the disease and further treatment may be needed. 

Amalgam dental fillings that contain metals such as zinc, copper, tin, mercury and silver. Patients that are allergic to any of these components may develop an allergic reaction and could potentially develop skin rashes, lip swelling or have a delayed allergic response. If you suspect you have an allergy to the listed metals, please let us know and we will avoid using such materials during the dental filling procedure. 

Dental Filling Hong Kong Patients’ Aftercare

  • After getting a dental filling in Hong Kong, we advise that you should avoid eating or drinking hot foods immediately after it has been just placed.
  • If pain levels are around 5-7 out of 10, can opt for panadol pain relief, anything above 7 may require further investigation of the pain after the tooth filling Hong Kong procedure.
  • Avoid eating chewy or sticky or hard foods after the dental filling procedure, as they can dislodge or break your new tooth filling.
  • Resume your usual oral hygiene regimes immediately after the dental filling procedure: 
  • Brush 2/day, day and night (just before sleep)
  • Use interdental brush
  • Use mouthrinse 2-3 times a week
  • Come for the review appointment if this has been scheduled to check on your dental fillings.
  • Call us for an appointment if there is any persistent (more than 1-2 weeks) or worsening sensitivity and pain, after the dental filling in Hong Kong.

Some of Dr. Tong’s Dental Filling Hong Kong Past Cases

Case 1:


Patient had a small fracture in the front tooth, caused by trauma from tripping over being replaced with composite resin dental filling. This patient came into our surgery with a small fractured portion of his tooth which caused slight sensitivity. As this was a front tooth, it was important to have this tooth examined and restored with a dental filling of some sort as soon as possible. First Dr. Tong had to take an x-ray to make sure that all the other teeth and the tooth roots were safe and sound before proceeding with the dental filling in Hong Kong.

Case 2:


In this closing of the diastema case, the patient presented with a big gap between her two front teeth and wanted to close it. Dr. Tong succeeded in closing the gaps with a composite resin dental filling in Hong Kong.

Case 3:


After a bicycle accident, a patient's dental trauma was fixed with composite resin dental filling in Hong Kong.

Case 4:


Patient was suffering from cracked teeth, and you can see that there are multiple cracks in the natural tooth structure surrounding the amalgam tooth filling. Sometimes, these cracks can exist in amalgam filled tooth for years without causing any issues. However, most often than not, these cracks lead to tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking or even brushing your teeth. For this particular case, Dr. Tong removed the old amalgam tooth filling to inspect the remaining tooth structure and had to remove the decay found hidden underneath the tooth filling. Then, a composite resin tooth coloured dental filling material was used to hold the tooth back together and the cracks are covered up to prevent additional cracks from forming. This tooth filling Hong Kong case took approximately 45 minutes to complete. If more tooth structure was found to be cracked or defective, then a crown would have been the treatment of choice.

Case 5:


For this tooth filling patient, she presented with abrasion lesions (from brushing too extensively) that were starting to cause dental sensitivity. She needed composite resin dental fillings to cover up the exposed dentine and pulp surfaces which is why Dr. Tong completed these dental filling in Hong Kong for her, and managed to solve the sensitivity issue that made it difficult for her to drink or eat anything cold.

Reviews from Our Tooth Filling Hong Kong Patients

“I am usually very nervous about these treatments, but Dr. Tong is truly amazing. He is super meticulous with every step in his work and never rushes to go through any treatment. The first time I went to see Dr. Tong was because an old tooth filling in one of my front teeth had become faulty and led to decay forming underneath the tooth and required a new dental filling replacement. Tooth filling in Hong Kong requires a relatively long time to complete and I usually have a lot of difficulty keeping my mouth open for any dental filling procedure for a long time, but after knowing this, Dr. Tong was very caring and offered to give me rest times throughout the dental filling procedure. He was very patient and kind, and his entire team made me feel very cared for. Would highly suggest if you need to get a dental filling in Hong Kong to come see Dr Tong”
“Dr. Tong is not only professional but also very patient towards his patients. I had a couple of teeth that were decayed and one tooth that had a very large hole in it too. I was quite nervous about having to get a tooth filling, because I knew the treatment I needed would be quite complex and difficult to handle. I wanted to find someone that would be experienced in dental fillings in Hong Kong, and when I looked this up on the internet, I was lucky enough to find Dr. Tong and his team. Service was excellent from the moment I walked in and the numbing was absolutely PAINLESS! The dental filling procedure was broken down into a few appointments, and each appointment was perfectly fine. I had nothing to worry about the tooth filling as I knew that I was in steady hands. Thank you Dr. Tong for helping me fix my teeth with the beautiful tooth fillings you did for me, and if I or any family member needs any treatment or dental fillings in Hong Kong, I will definitely recommend Dr. Tong and his team!”
“I was totally blown away by the service that Dr. Tong provided. It was really difficult for me to find a genuine and caring professional, but Dr. Tong would take time to explain all possible treatments and let me tell him my issues without rushing me and would put a lot of effort into refining the dental fillings he did for me. The dental filling procedure I required needed to be done under local anesthetic, and honestly, I was expecting it to hurt just like all the other injections I have had before, but to my surprise I didn’t feel a single thing! I only realised he was done when he had started to drill into the teeth and remove the caries to start the tooth filling process! Truly amazing. I had another two cavities that required dental fillings in Hong Kong and I had them done with Dr. Tong as well. I really want to thank Dr. Tong from the bottom of my heart because I know how hard it is to come across someone that truly cares for his patients. I will certainly recommend my friends’ tooth filling in Hong Kong to be done by you.”
“Dr. David Tong is very skilled and is a true professional. I had initially gone to a different surgery that was quite popular in Hong Kong and was told I needed to have multiple dental fillings done, as well as other complex treatments. I was a bit suspicious, and therefore went to Dr. Tong for a second opinion. To my surprise Dr. Tong only said I needed to have 4 dental fillings completed and that the tooth filling in Hong Kong will not be too difficult. I was told by Dr Tong that he never recommends unnecessary treatment and will always make sure that his patients know exactly what is being done and why. He holds very high ethical standards and keeps his surgery in pristine condition. In the end, I was very satisfied with the dental fillings I had done, and highly recommend anyone that needs to have dental fillings done in Hong Kong to book in with Dr. Tong.”
“Because of a lost dental filling, I was experiencing dull aching pain that spread from my upper tooth to the back of my head. I was desperate to see a professional as soon as possible to help with the tooth, because I was worried that the bridge which is attached to this tooth will be affected as well. Luckily, I was able to find Dr. Tong for a tooth filling, and his staff kindly managed to fit me into his busy schedule. Dr. Tong was able to get rid of the pain and also help me with the new dental filling and suggested better ways to clean my teeth to manage the bone loss I had around the teeth as well. All in all, I am super happy with getting the tooth filling in Hong Kong, and the experience was superb. Thank you Dr. Tong!”
“Dr. David W.K. Tong was very professional when it came to explaining treatment options. He also thoroughly went through the entire dental filling procedure with me, because I had told him I was nervous about getting a dental filling for the first time and didn’t know what to expect. I wanted to find someone who was patient and who also would understand my background and since we were both from the UK, I think it helped a lot. Thanks for the great work doc.”
“Came to see Dr. Tong for a cleaning and I had requested to have a dental filling in Hong Kong done as this was suggested to me earlier by another professional. Dr. Tong took a look at the suspected tooth and talked me out of getting the dental filling that I didn’t actually need! Very grateful for meeting such an honest and trustworthy professional. It was a pleasant experience getting the dental filling done and it didn’t hurt at all.
“Dr. David Tong has very gentle hands and is an ideal choice to get a dental filling in Hong Kong in my opinion. The dental filling I have had in the past always leaves me with pain or more problems, but Dr. Tong’s dental fillings do not give me pain. 10 out of 10 service and the staff treated me very well too.”
“I am from overseas, and I needed to find someone to complete a few tooth fillings in Hong Kong while I was travelling here for work. Fortunately, my colleague recommended Dr. Tong to me and I was able to locate their surgery quite easily as it is located near my workplace. I had the tooth filling in Hong Kong completed very quickly and was able to fit the appointments in between working hours. Also, their receptionist was particularly helpful in scheduling the tooth filling in Hong Kong for me.”
“Was travelling to Hong Kong for a short trip with family but accidentally tripped over, bumped my front tooth and had a chip. Needed emergency care and I suspected I needed a tooth filling in Hong Kong. I had no idea how to get a tooth filling fixed or where to book but found Dr. Tong’s website with a lot of nice reviews about them. Am pleased to say the reviews were very reliable and was booked the very next day for an emergency dental filling procedure. The tooth filling in Hong Kong was completed within an hour and looks exactly like my own natural tooth. Very happy with the results and impressed with the professionalism of Dr. Tong and his staff.”
“Got my tooth filling in Hong Kong done by Dr. Tong because I was unhappy with how my teeth looked. Dr. Tong was very patient and we went through many samples and discussed the treatment options very thoroughly. For tooth filling in Hong Kong, there were so many options of materials but we ended up choosing to stick with composite resin, because it allowed for adjustments if I wanted them and also, they are relatively cheaper. Although Dr. Tong did mention that this was not the best permanent option, I understood this and went ahead with these dental fillings. The tooth filling in Hong Kong was done very well and I appreciate Dr. Tong’s honesty.

Book A Tooth Filling Hong Kong Appointment Today

To book an appointment for a dental filling in Hong Kong with Dr. Tong, please contact us on our phone number 3421 0067. Patients can also Whatsapp us to let us know that you would like to have a tooth filling in Hong Kong and also please mention which tooth you suspect is needing the dental filling procedure. 

Learn More About Tooth / Dental Filling Procedure – FAQs:

1. Does getting a tooth filling hurt?

Getting a dental filling in Hong Kong should not hurt because the procedure involves numbing the tooth and the area around it with local anaesthetic. After numbing, you may be able to feel pressure during the tooth filling procedure, but there should not be any sharp or stinging sensations. This would be confirmed prior to any treatment that involves local anaesthesia provided by Dr. Tong. If at any point during the dental filling process you feel discomfort, you may raise your left hand and notify Dr. Tong.

Some signs that could indicate you need a dental filling may be if you notice some structural changes in your teeth. For example, if you notice a hole/cavity, food getting stuck in certain areas, cracks or dark spots on your teeth, then you may need a tooth filling. 

Other signs that you need a dental filling in Hong Kong, or possibly other treatment, is if you are experiencing sensitivity (from hot or cold drinks), having bad breath, noticing a missing filling or having a persistent toothache. 

If you notice any of these signs, do not hesitate to contact us to book you in for an examination, and possibly proceed with a dental filling in Hong Kong.

The short answer is yes, you can eat after a dental filling. But after having a tooth filling placed, we recommend that you wait a few hours before eating anything too hot or too crunchy. The reason being that we want to wait for the numbing solution to wear off before you start chewing on foods. Eating with a numb lip or face could lead to chewing of the cheek, tongue and you could even burn yourself without noticing and lead to painful ulcers. 

Certain dental filling material takes time to set as well, if that is the case, Dr. Tong will make sure to warn you not to chew on anything too hard in those cases as well. Therefore, we suggest sticking to soft cold or lukewarm foods such as yogurt or soft bread after getting a dental filling. 

It is normal for the teeth to feel sensitivity or discomfort immediately after having a dental filling placed. We must remember that the reason why you needed a dental filling in the first place, was because the tooth structure has been compromised by bacteria and we have to remove this by using air, water and mechanical drilling. 

After being exposed to these external factors, your tooth can feel overwhelmed, and therefore once the numbing solution has worn off, sensitivity after the dental filling procedure will occur. It may take up to a few days to a week to get used to your new dental filling, but in some cases can take up to months. However, if the sensitivity gets worse, then make sure to give us a call for a review appointment. 

Generally, there are 3 types of dental fillings to choose from, composite/porcelain tooth coloured, silver and gold tooth filling materials, each with their own set of pros and cons. Based on your condition and our examination, we will be able to choose the correct material to use for your dental fillings. Judgement will be based off factors such as:

  • How much tooth structure is left
  • Cost considerations 
  • Personal preference (colour)

Yes, amalgam is safe to use in adults and children older than 6 years old that require dental fillings. We understand that there may be some concern regarding the mercury content within amalgam, however research and evidence has shown time and time again that the benefits it offers as a cheaper and more durable alternative to other metal fillings greatly outweigh its potential negative effects as a dental filling material.

Although this is true, as of today the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that high risk populations listed below should avoid having amalgam tooth fillings:

  • children under 6 years old
  • patients with neurological impairment or kidney dysfunction
  • people with known sensitivity to mercury, silver, copper, tin or zinc
  • Nursing mothers 
  • Pregnant, or planning to be pregnant

For these reasons, we do not offer amalgam as a dental filling Hong Kong option for patients.

Not always. Amalgam filled teeth are usually weakened due to the need for more extensive preparation of the tooth structure and removal of the tooth to allow for placement of amalgam material. When your weakened tooth is placed under hard biting forces, it can lead to cracks in the tooth and cause “leakage” into the tooth. These leaks and cracks are similar to highways for the outside bacteria to enter your tooth and can accelerate the process of dental sensitivity, decay or infection. Hence, if cracks or leakage is suspected, we will most likely recommend replacement tooth filling or other forms of restoration to avoid these problems arising. 

In some cases, amalgam tooth fillings can last very long and remain unproblematic. If that is so, we will leave them be but still keep an eye on them at your 6 monthly checkups. It is also important to keep an eye on these amalgam tooth fillings using dental x-rays to make sure there are no caries developing underneath your tooth fillings. It is suggested that tooth fillings in Hong Kong are monitored with x-rays every 2 years. 

Based on the type of material used and how you look after them at home, each tooth filling will have their own estimated durability and longevity. Given that your oral hygiene is well kept and you come in for regular check-up / review appointments, you can expect that: 

  • Composite resin (plastic) tooth fillings may last about 5 to 7 years
  • Silver dental fillings lasting 10-15 years 
  • Gold tooth fillings lasting 15-30 years
For your dental fillings, it is recommended that you brush your teeth as you would normally 2 times a day in a gentle circular motion, and also include flossing into your daily routine. Interdental brushing is an alternative that Dr. Tong strongly advises you to use as these can get right into the gaps and clean underneath the tooth filling to prevent accumulation of plaque as well as food debris. Additionally, you can use an alcohol-free mouthwash 1-2 times a week to enhance your oral hygiene as well.