Dental fillings are the most common dental treatment in the world — and for good reason. They stop tooth decay in its tracks, restore the shape and function of a damaged tooth, and prevent a small cavity from turning into a much bigger problem, such as an abscess or the need for a root canal. If your dentist spotted a cavity at your last check-up, a filling is almost always the next step.

When You Need a Dental Filling

Common reasons your dentist may recommend dental fillings include:

• A new cavity caused by tooth decay
• A cracked or chipped tooth from biting hard food or grinding
• Worn-down enamel from teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Replacing an old, leaking, or discolored filling
• Repairing minor cosmetic issues like small gaps or chips on front teeth

The earlier a cavity is caught, the smaller and more affordable the filling. Skipping check-ups often turns a ₱2,000 filling into a ₱20,000 root canal and crown.

What to Expect During a Dental Filling

A standard dental filling appointment at Dentalis takes 30 to 45 minutes per tooth and follows these steps:

• Local anesthesia — numbs the area so you feel no pain during the procedure
• Decay removal — the dentist cleans out the cavity and shapes it to hold the filling
• Filling placement — the chosen material is placed in layers, hardened with a curing light (for composite), and shaped to match your bite
• Polishing — the filling is smoothed and polished so it feels and looks like the rest of the tooth

You can usually eat and drink immediately after a tooth-coloured filling. Numbness from the anesthesia wears off in 1-3 hours.

How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost

Cost depends on the material, the size of the cavity, and the tooth being filled. As a rough guide, it is usually around Php 1,500 to Php 4,000 per tooth.

A regular dental check-up and professional teeth cleaning every six months is one of the simplest things you can do for long-term oral health and one of the most overlooked. Routine visits catch small problems before they turn into expensive, painful ones, and they remove the plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t reach.

Why You Need a Regular Dental Check-up Every 6 Months?

Dentists recommend check-ups twice a year because that’s roughly how long it takes for plaque to harden into tartar and for early decay to progress into a cavity. By the time most people feel a problem such as sensitivity, pain, or swelling, the issue has already moved past the easy-fix stage. Routine visits keep you ahead of that timeline.

If you wear braces, have dental implants, are managing gum disease, or have conditions like diabetes or pregnancy gingivitis, your dentist may recommend visits every three to four months instead.

What Happens During a Routine Check-up

A standard appointment at Dentalis includes:

• A full dental exam – checking each tooth for decay, cracks, and wear; assessing your gums for early gingivitis or periodontal disease; and screening for oral cancer.
• Digital X-rays when needed, to spot issues hidden between or below the teeth.
• Professional cleaning (oral prophylaxis) – removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains with ultrasonic scaling and polishing.
• Dental advice on brushing, flossing, diet, and any concerns you raise.

The whole visit usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. You leave with cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and a clear picture of your oral health.

The Real Cost of Skipping Cleanings

Book Your Regular Dental Check-up at Dentalis

If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning, schedule a visit at any of our clinic locations. We accept most major HMOs and offer same-day appointments for urgent
concerns.

Your future smile starts with what you do today.