By Dr. Rohan Deshpande, MDS Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Orion Dental Specialities, Kothrud, Pune.
Whether you have noticed sudden sensitivity, spotted a small hole, or were recently told you need a filling, it is natural to wonder what to expect and how much it will cost.
Please rest easy, a dental filling is a simple, highly routine procedure designed to stop decay in its tracks and protect your tooth. This guide breaks down the early warning signs, the main types of filling material, what each option costs in Pune in 2026, and a walk-through of the procedure.
I am Dr. Rohan Deshpande, MDS Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, at Orion Dental Specialities in Kothrud. Let’s dive in.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay. The dentist removes the decayed part, cleans the area, and fills the space with a material that restores the tooth’s shape and function, so you can bite and chew normally again.
Signs You Might Need a Filling
A few common signs are worth watching for.
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- A visible hole, pit, or dark spot on a tooth.
- Food regularly getting stuck in the same place.
- A mild, nagging toothache.
- A rough or broken edge, or an old filling that has come out.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are a few filling materials, each with its own strengths.
- Tooth coloured composite. A resin matched to your tooth colour, bonded in place. The most popular choice, especially for teeth that show.
- Glass ionomer (GIC). A material that releases fluoride, often used for children or fillings near the gum.
- Silver amalgam. A very durable, long standing material, though it is silver in colour rather than tooth coloured.
- Ceramic inlay or onlay. A lab made, tooth coloured restoration for larger cavities that need more support than a simple filling.
Fillings at a Glance
Here is how the main options compare.
| Type | Appearance | Good to Know |
| Composite | Tooth coloured | Most popular, bonds to the tooth |
| Glass ionomer (GIC) | Tooth coloured | Releases fluoride, often for children |
| Silver amalgam | Silver / grey | Very durable, less used on front teeth |
| Ceramic inlay or onlay | Tooth coloured | For larger cavities, lab made |
How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost in Pune?
The cost depends mainly on the material and the size and position of the cavity.
Note: These are representative 2026 Pune ranges for guidance only. They are not Orion’s fixed fees. For a figure specific to you, please book a consultation.
| Type | Representative 2026 Pune Range | Notes |
| Tooth coloured composite filling | 1,000 to 3,500 per tooth | Matches the tooth, most common |
| Glass ionomer (GIC) filling | 800 to 2,500 per tooth | Releases fluoride, often for children |
| Ceramic inlay or onlay | 6,000 to 15,000 per tooth | For larger cavities, lab made |
What Happens During the Procedure
The tooth is numbed, the decay is gently removed, the area is cleaned, and the filling is placed and shaped to fit your bite. A tooth coloured filling is set with a curing light. The procedure is virtually pain free.
Composite vs Silver: Which Is Better?
Composite matches the tooth and bonds well, which is why most people choose it, especially for visible teeth. Silver amalgam is very durable and can suit some back teeth, but it is grey in colour. The right choice depends on the tooth and your preference.
What If a Cavity Is Left Untreated?
Decay does not heal on its own and slowly grows. Left too long, it can reach the nerve inside the tooth and lead to pain, needing a root canal or even removal. Treating a cavity early with a simple filling is the easiest way to avoid this.
Caring for Your Filling
- Some mild sensitivity for a day or two is normal and settles on its own.
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth to protect the tooth around the filling.
- Avoid biting very hard foods directly on a new filling for a short while.
- Keep up regular checkups so we can check your fillings and catch any new decay early.
Payment Options
At Orion Dental Specialities, we offer direct clinic instalment plans. Talk to us during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a dental filling cost in Pune?
As a guide, a tooth coloured composite filling ranges from 1,000 to 3,500 per tooth. Larger cavities that need a ceramic inlay cost more. The exact figure depends on the size and location of the cavity. These are city wide ranges, not fixed fees.
Q: Which filling is better, composite or silver?
Composite fillings match the colour of your teeth and bond well, which is why most people choose them, especially for front teeth. Silver amalgam is very durable but is grey in colour, so it tends to be kept to back teeth. We will suggest what suits the tooth and your preference.
Q: Does getting a filling hurt?
No, the tooth is fully numbed first, so the procedure is virtually pain free. You may feel some short lived sensitivity for a day or two afterwards, which settles on its own.
Q: How long do dental fillings last?
With good care, tooth coloured fillings often last several years and silver fillings longer. Their life depends on the size of the filling, where it is, and your oral hygiene. We check your fillings at your regular visits.
Q: What happens if I leave a cavity untreated?
Decay does not heal on its own and slowly gets bigger. Left too long, it can reach the nerve inside the tooth and lead to pain, needing a root canal or even removal. Treating a cavity early with a simple filling avoids this.
Conclusion
To sum up: a filling is a simple way to stop decay and restore a tooth, there are tooth coloured and silver options to suit different needs, and treating a cavity early keeps things simple and affordable. If you think you may have a cavity, book a checkup at Orion Dental Specialities in Kothrud and we will take a look.
Medical disclaimer: All price ranges on this page are representative 2026 Pune figures based on market observation and are for guidance only. They are not Orion Dental Specialities’ fixed fees. Treatment depends on an individual clinical assessment. Please book a consultation for advice specific to you.
About the author: Dr. Rohan Deshpande holds an MDS in Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge and practises at Orion Dental Specialities in Kothrud, Pune.
