A cavity caught early is a quick, routine fix. Here's what a filling appointment in Korea is really like, the difference between white and silver fillings, what national insurance covers, and how to stop cavities coming back — in English.
A cavity is simply tooth decay — a small hole that forms when plaque wears through the enamel. Caught early, it's one of the most routine things a dentist fixes: a filling in a single visit. Here's what that looks like in Korea, what the different fillings are, what national insurance covers, and how to keep cavities from coming back — explained in English for foreign residents.
How do you know you have a cavity?
Sometimes you feel it, sometimes you don't:
- Sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold.
- A twinge when you bite down.
- A visible dark spot or hole in the tooth.
- Nothing at all — many early cavities have no symptoms, which is why a regular checkup and scaling catches them before they grow.
If a cavity is left too long, the decay reaches the nerve and a simple filling is no longer enough — so it's worth acting early.
What a filling appointment is like
For most fillings it's a single, straightforward visit:
- The dentist numbs the area with a local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain.
- The decayed part of the tooth is removed.
- The tooth is cleaned and filled, and the filling is shaped and polished so your bite feels normal.
Larger cavities may need a lab-made filling (an inlay or onlay), which takes two visits.
Types of fillings — and what NHIS covers
Which filling you get depends on the size and position of the cavity, how it will look, and cost:
| Filling | Looks like | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amalgam (silver) | Metallic | Durable and low-cost; covered by NHIS. Used less often now for appearance reasons. |
| Composite resin (tooth-coloured) | Natural | The most common choice today. NHIS covers it for children under 12; for adults it's usually private pay. |
| Glass ionomer (GIC) | Tooth-coloured | Often used for children or as a temporary filling; partly covered. |
| Inlay / onlay (ceramic or gold) | Natural or gold | Lab-made for larger cavities; strong and long-lasting; private pay. |
Coverage rules are set by NHIS and depend on the material and your age, so ask the clinic what applies to you before treatment.
When a filling isn't enough
If decay has reached the nerve inside the tooth, you'll likely need a root canal to clean it out, followed by a crown to protect what's left. This is exactly why early treatment matters — a small filling is far simpler, and cheaper, than a root canal and crown later.
Keeping cavities away
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily.
- Go easy on frequent sugary or acidic drinks.
- Get a regular checkup and scaling — professional cleaning removes the plaque a brush can't reach, and catches new cavities early.
At Seoul Lab Dental: we explain what we see on your scan, talk through your filling options and what insurance covers, and give you the cost in writing — all in English — before we start.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting a filling hurt?
It shouldn't. The dentist numbs the tooth with a local anaesthetic first, so you feel pressure but not pain. The area may be a little sensitive for a day or two afterwards, which is normal.
Does Korean insurance (NHIS) cover fillings?
Silver (amalgam) and glass-ionomer fillings are covered. Tooth-coloured composite resin is covered for children under 12, but for adults it's usually private pay. Lab-made inlays and onlays are private pay. Ask the clinic what applies to you.
White or silver filling — which should I choose?
Tooth-coloured composite is the usual choice today because it blends in and needs less drilling; silver amalgam is very durable and NHIS-covered. For a large cavity, a ceramic inlay may last longer. Your dentist will recommend what fits the tooth.
How do I know if I have a cavity?
You might feel sensitivity or a twinge when biting, or see a dark spot — but many early cavities have no symptoms at all. A regular checkup and scaling is the reliable way to catch them early.
Can I get it explained in English?
Yes. At Seoul Lab Dental we explain the diagnosis, your filling options, and the cost in English before any treatment begins.
Want a clear estimate for your treatment?
Book a 3D scan and consultation — you'll leave knowing your treatment plan and exact cost.
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