Decay does not reverse on its own. What differs is how much tooth has been lost, and that determines whether a filling, an inlay, or something more is appropriate.
Matching the restoration to the damage
- Direct composite filling – small to moderate cavities, completed in one visit.
- Inlay or onlay – larger cavities where a direct filling would be unreliable. Made outside the mouth and bonded in, usually across two visits.
- Crown – when so little sound tooth remains that the tooth needs covering rather than filling.
- Root canal first – when decay has reached the pulp.
Over-treating a small cavity wastes your tooth; under-treating a large one fails and has to be redone. We show you the X-ray and explain which category yours is in.
If you are only in Korea briefly
Straightforward fillings are among the few treatments that can reliably be completed in a single visit, which makes them practical during a short stay.
Tell us your departure date at the consultation. If a case cannot be finished properly in the time available, we will stabilise it and tell you what still needs doing rather than rushing a restoration that fails.
Preventing the next one
Recurrent decay around old restorations is one of the most common reasons patients return. We check existing fillings, and give you written, English-language instructions on cleaning the sites that are actually at risk in your mouth.
We give you a written treatment plan and a cost estimate before anything begins, so you know the total before you commit. If the plan changes after we see your CT scan, we tell you why and what it changes before we proceed.
Frequently asked questions
Can a filling be done in one appointment?
A direct composite filling, usually yes. An inlay or onlay normally needs two visits about a week apart.
Do you use amalgam?
We will discuss the material options appropriate for your specific cavity and tell you what we recommend and why.
My tooth does not hurt – do I still need treatment?
Often yes. Decay is usually painless until it is close to the pulp, which is why cavities are found on examination and X-ray rather than by symptoms.
How long do fillings last?
It varies with size, location, your bite and your cleaning. We will tell you what specifically threatens yours instead of quoting a number.
Related treatments
Ask us before you travel
Send a recent X-ray or a clear photo and tell us what is bothering you. We will reply in English with what the treatment involves, how many visits it needs, and how long to stay in Korea.
Email Us in English