Dental Fillings
Dental Fillings in Basel
In brief: dental fillings
Direct restorative treatment repairs caries and tooth defects with well-sealed restorations, most commonly direct composite or, for larger defects, an indirect inlay or onlay. In Basel, we assess defect size, margins, functional load and crack risk before recommending the appropriate option. The aim is to preserve the tooth, restore function and aesthetics, and provide clear follow-up.
Potential Benefits and Treatment Goals
Tooth-coloured and aesthetic: composite can be matched closely to the natural tooth shade.
Tooth-preserving: adhesive techniques can reduce the amount of sound tooth structure that needs to be removed compared with non-adhesive retentive preparations.
modern composites can provide reliable marginal sealing and function in anterior and posterior teeth when correctly indicated.
Repairable: small defects can often be repaired or added to instead of replacing the entire restoration.
When is composite suitable?
in anterior or posterior teeth
Replacement of old defective restorations
Cervical lesions and erosion on exposed root or neck areas, including sensitivity
Minor aesthetic corrections, for example small shape changes or closure of a small diastema
Treatment Process
Diagnosis and consultation – visual examination, radiographs where indicated and shade selection.
Anaesthesia and isolation – local anaesthesia when needed; rubber dam or another reliable isolation method for adhesive procedures.
Conservative caries removal – diseased tissue is removed according to contemporary caries-management principles while preserving sound tooth structure where possible.
Adhesive bonding and layered build-up – the bonding system is applied and composite is placed, shaped and light-cured according to the material protocol.
Shape, bite and polishing – the restoration is finished for appropriate function, contacts and a smooth surface.
Materials and Treatment Options
Modern microhybrid or nanohybrid composites combine mechanical strength with polishability and shade options.
Contemporary universal or indication-specific adhesive systems are selected according to the clinical situation.
For larger defects, an indirect onlay/overlay or other cusp-covering restoration may provide better structural protection; we discuss the alternatives individually.
Long-term stability and follow-up
With good oral hygiene and regular review, composite restorations can function for many years. Large defects, bruxism, caries risk, diet and isolation quality can influence longevity.
Scientific Context
Longevity of posterior composite restorations:
Long-term studies show good survival of posterior composite restorations. Common reasons for failure include recurrent caries and fracture, with both patient- and tooth-related factors influencing outcomes.
Composite vs. amalgam:
Cochrane reviews comparing composite with amalgam have found uncertainty and heterogeneity in older evidence, including possible differences in recurrent caries and restoration failure. Contemporary clinical decisions should consider current materials, isolation, caries risk and the indication rather than relying on one historical comparison.
Bulk-fill composites:
Systematic reviews indicate that bulk-fill and conventional layered composites can achieve similar clinical performance over available follow-up periods when used according to indication. Longer-term comparative data continue to develop.PubMed+2
Universal adhesives:
Universal adhesives can perform clinically well with different bonding strategies; selective enamel etching may improve enamel bonding in appropriate situations.PMC+2
Direct vs. indirect restorations:
Direct and indirect restorations can both be successful. For extensive defects, ceramic or indirect composite onlays may offer advantages in morphology, wear behaviour and cusp coverage; the choice depends on remaining tooth structure, load and repairability.
Costs and Individual Treatment Planning
Costs depend on the size and number of surfaces, tooth position, isolation requirements and treatment time. You receive a transparent cost estimate in advance.
Small restoration, for example one surface or a small cervical defect: approximately CHF 120–220
Medium restoration, for example two surfaces: approximately CHF 220–360
Very large or cusp-protecting direct restoration: approximately CHF 360–490
Local anaesthesia: approximately CHF 20–40
Rubber dam or additional isolation requirements: approximately CHF 20–50
For very large defects, a ceramic partial crown/onlay may provide a more predictable long-term solution. We explain the options and their trade-offs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I feel the filling?
After a short adaptation period, a well-adjusted restoration should feel
Does composite stain?
The surface can be polished, although coffee, tea, tobacco and other pigments may cause staining over time. Depending on the situation, it can often be
How long does a composite filling last?
Depending on defect size, caries risk, oral hygiene, bruxism and diet, composite restorations may function for many years. Individual longevity cannot be predicted precisely.
Is the treatment painful?
where required, treatment should be comfortable. Temporary cold sensitivity can occur afterwards, especially in deeper cavities.
Have you noticed a cavity or a loose filling?
For tooth-coloured composite restorations in Basel, we assess the defect, explain the reasonable options and costs, and aim to restore function and aesthetics while preserving healthy tooth structure.
Diagnostics and Planning
The cause and extent of tooth-structure loss are decisive. We assess caries activity, remaining tooth structure, the condition of the pulp and roots, occlusal loading and whether reliable isolation can be achieved. Where appropriate, the aim is to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Limitations, Risks and Alternatives
The appropriate treatment depends on defect size, remaining tooth structure and the biological situation. Sensitivity, marginal discolouration, fractures or recurrent caries are possible long-term issues. With deep defects, root canal treatment may still become necessary later despite careful restorative treatment.
Dental fillings in Basel: experience and clinical context
At Fachzahnarztpraxis Dr. Gasser in Basel, preserving healthy tooth structure is a priority. Restorative decisions are considered within the overall functional and reconstructive situation so that an individual filling or restoration also fits the bite and longer-term treatment plan.More about Dr Thomas Gasser’s training and qualifications.
Related Topics on Our Website
Depending on the individual situation, Early Caries Treatment, apicoectomy or Amalgam Filling Replacement may also be relevant.You can find further dental services in Basel in our treatment overview.
Literature and Scientific Context
PubMed PMID 25048250 – Longevity of posterior composite restorations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
PubMed PMID 26003655 – Longevity of posterior resin composite restorations in adults – A systematic review
The selected literature provides scientific context. Which findings are relevant to a specific treatment depends on the diagnosis, the starting situation, individual risks and the treatment goals agreed together.
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