When to have a tooth checked
A dental filling can restore a tooth after decay, a small fracture, wear, or the loss of an existing restoration. It may also help rebuild a worn area near the gumline or close a defect where food regularly becomes trapped.
Consider arranging an examination if you notice:
- A visible hole, dark area, or rough surface on a tooth.
- Sensitivity to cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods.
- Food repeatedly becoming trapped between the same teeth.
- A small chip or loss of tooth structure.
- A worn or notched area near the gumline.
- An old filling that feels loose, cracked, worn, or different when you bite.
- A filling that has fallen out.
- A child with a cavity, chipped baby tooth, or damaged permanent tooth.
A cavity does not always cause pain at an early stage. An examination can help determine whether the tooth can be restored with a direct filling or needs a different form of treatment.
Planning a dental filling during a stay in Hanoi
If you are visiting Hanoi or expect to leave Vietnam soon, tell Hong Quynh Dental Clinic your available dates and departure date when you make contact.
A straightforward direct filling usually takes about 10 minutes per tooth and can often be completed in one visit. The complete appointment may take longer because the dentist must first examine the tooth, discuss the treatment, prepare the area, and check the bite.
More time may be needed when:
- The cavity is deep or difficult to access.
- An old filling must be removed.
- Several teeth need treatment.
- The tooth is very sensitive.
- The condition of the dental pulp needs further assessment.
- Pulp protection, imaging, or anesthesia is considered.
- Moisture control is more difficult.
- A child needs additional time to become comfortable with treatment.
A time estimate can be discussed before the visit, but the final treatment plan depends on the examination.
When a direct filling may be suitable
A direct filling is commonly considered when enough healthy tooth structure remains to support the restoration.
It may be suitable for:
- A cavity caused by tooth decay.
- A small chip or minor fracture.
- A worn area near the gumline.
- A small defect that traps food.
- Replacement of an old filling that is damaged or leaking.
- Selected restorations in baby teeth or permanent teeth.
The dentist will consider the size and depth of the defect, the remaining tooth structure, the bite, the position of the tooth, and the condition of the dental pulp.
When a filling may not be enough
A direct filling may not be the most suitable option if a large amount of tooth structure has been lost or the remaining walls cannot support the restoration.
Further assessment may be needed if you have:
- Spontaneous toothache or pain at night.
- Pain that continues after a hot or cold stimulus is removed.
- Swelling, drainage, or signs of infection.
- A large fracture or suspected crack.
- A restoration that occupies most of the tooth.
- Decay extending close to or into the dental pulp.
- Damage extending below the gumline.
- Heavy biting forces on the affected area.
Depending on the examination, the dentist may discuss pulp protection, root canal treatment, an inlay or onlay, a dental crown, or another treatment.
For front teeth where the main concern is shape, color, or appearance, see the separate cosmetic filling service.
Dental filling prices in Hanoi
Direct fillings at Hong Quynh Dental Clinic currently cost 200,000-500,000 ₫ per tooth, or approximately $8-$20.
The dollar estimates below use the Vietcombank USD transfer-buying rate checked on 12 November 2026: $1 = 25,470 ₫. Dollar amounts are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
Prices in Vietnamese dong are authoritative. The dollar figures are estimates for international patients and do not indicate that payment in US dollars is accepted.
Occlusal fillings
These fillings restore the chewing surface of a tooth.
Proximal or cervical fillings
These fillings restore an area between teeth or near the gumline.
Composite inlay or onlay
This price applies to permanent teeth. An inlay or onlay is considered separately when the shape or extent of the damage is not suitable for a conventional direct filling.
Pulp protection
Pulp protection is not automatically included in the filling price. Its suitability can only be determined after the tooth has been examined and the damaged area assessed.
No warranty duration is stated for pulp protection.
You can also review the English dental price list. The clinic will confirm the proposed material, treatment items, and total cost after examining the tooth.
Payment
Hong Quynh Dental Clinic accepts payment by:
- Cash.
- Bank transfer.
Confirm the treatment items, total cost, and payment arrangements with the clinic before proceeding.
Choosing between Fuji and composite
There is no single filling material that is automatically the best choice for every tooth.
The dentist may consider:
- Whether the restoration is on a chewing, side, or cervical surface.
- The size and depth of the defect.
- The amount of healthy tooth structure remaining.
- The biting forces on the tooth.
- Whether the treatment area can be kept sufficiently dry.
- The desired shape and appearance.
- Whether the tooth is a baby tooth or permanent tooth.
- The child's age and ability to cooperate, where relevant.
The listed price and warranty can help you compare options, but they should not be the only basis for selecting a material.
Dental fillings for adults and children
Hong Quynh Dental Clinic provides filling assessments for adults and children.
For a child, the dentist will first determine whether the affected tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth. The depth of decay, remaining tooth structure, symptoms, and the child's comfort during treatment also affect the recommendation.
A damaged baby tooth should still be assessed rather than automatically left untreated until it falls out. The dentist can explain whether a filling or another approach is appropriate for that tooth.
Parents can mention any previous dental difficulties when arranging the appointment. This helps the clinic allow suitable time for the visit.
Direct and indirect pulp protection
The dental pulp contains the nerves and blood supply inside a tooth. Deep decay or damage may approach or expose this tissue.
Indirect pulp protection
Indirect pulp protection may be considered when the affected area is close to the pulp but the pulp has not been directly exposed.
The decision is made after the dentist examines the tooth and cleans the damaged area.
Direct pulp protection
Direct pulp protection may be considered in selected cases where the pulp has been exposed but its condition may still be suitable for a conservative approach.
Pulp protection is not a substitute for root canal treatment when the pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected. Symptoms, clinical findings, and any additional assessment help determine the appropriate treatment.
What happens during a filling appointment?
1. Examination and symptom review
The dentist asks about your symptoms and examines the tooth, surrounding gum, existing restorations, and bite. Additional assessment may be recommended when the extent of the damage is unclear.
2. Treatment and cost discussion
The dentist explains which area needs treatment, the proposed material, the estimated cost, and whether another procedure may be necessary.
3. Cleaning the damaged area
Decay or the part of an old restoration that needs replacement is removed. The dentist then reassesses the remaining tooth structure and proximity to the pulp.
4. Pulp protection when indicated
If the damage approaches the pulp and the clinical condition is suitable, pulp protection may be discussed before the final restoration is placed.
5. Placement and shaping
The selected material is placed and shaped to restore the affected area.
6. Finishing and bite check
The dentist finishes and polishes the restoration, checks the contact between teeth, and adjusts any area that feels high when you bite.
Will a dental filling hurt?
The experience depends on the depth of the damage and the condition of the tooth.
With a small defect, you may mainly notice vibration, pressure, or mild discomfort while the area is cleaned. If the tooth is sensitive or the damage is deeper, the dentist can discuss discomfort control and whether anesthesia should be considered.
Some teeth may feel temporarily different or sensitive after treatment. Contact the clinic if:
- Pain is becoming stronger rather than settling.
- You develop spontaneous pain or pain at night.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold continues for an extended time.
- The tooth hurts when biting.
- The filling feels too high.
- The gum or face becomes swollen.
- The restoration feels loose or breaks.
Looking after a filled tooth
Follow the dentist's instructions about eating and drinking after treatment because recommendations can depend on the material and whether anesthesia was used.
For daily care:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between the teeth every day.
- Limit frequent sugary foods and drinks.
- Avoid biting ice, bones, or other very hard objects.
- Do not use your teeth to open packaging.
- Pay attention to any change in your bite.
- Attend recommended dental examinations.
A filling does not prevent new decay from forming. The tooth structure around the edge of the restoration still needs regular cleaning and monitoring.
Does an old filling need replacement?
A filling should not be replaced only because it is old. The dentist should first assess the restoration and the surrounding tooth.
Replacement or repair may be considered when:
- The filling is loose, cracked, or broken.
- There is a gap at the edge.
- New decay is present around or beneath it.
- Food repeatedly becomes trapped.
- The tooth hurts or feels uncomfortable when biting.
- The restoration has worn significantly.
- Its shape no longer provides an appropriate contact or bite.
Do not attempt to grind down a filling or glue a broken piece back into place yourself.
Filling durability and warranty
The listed warranty period depends on the location and material:
- Occlusal fillings: 2-5 years.
- Proximal or cervical fillings: 6 months-2 years.
- Korean composite inlay/onlay: 1 year for permanent teeth.
Ask the clinic to explain the applicable warranty conditions before treatment.
A warranty period is not the same as the expected lifespan of a restoration. Actual durability can be affected by the size of the filling, remaining tooth structure, bite, grinding or clenching, oral hygiene, recurrent decay, and habits such as biting hard objects.
Follow-up after leaving Hanoi
If you will leave Hanoi shortly after treatment, tell the clinic before the procedure. This allows the dentist to explain what to monitor and whether a local review is advisable before departure.
If you have a concern after leaving Hanoi, contact Hong Quynh Dental Clinic and describe:
- Which tooth was treated.
- When the treatment was completed.
- Whether the problem involves pain, sensitivity, swelling, biting, or a broken filling.
- When the symptoms started and whether they are becoming worse.
Photos may help explain a visible problem, but they cannot replace an in-person dental examination.
For increasing pain, facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or another urgent symptom, seek prompt care from a dentist or medical service where you are currently located.
Contact Hong Quynh Dental Clinic
Hong Quynh Dental Clinic is located at 14 Lane 36 Mieu Dam Street, Tu Liem, Hanoi.
- Opening hours: 08:00-19:30 daily.
- WhatsApp: Message +84 965 794 622.
- Zalo: Contact the clinic.
- Phone: Call +84 965 794 622.
- Appointment: Request a dental filling appointment.
- Location information: View the English contact page.
When contacting the clinic, mention your symptoms, the affected tooth if known, your preferred dates, and your departure date if you are visiting Hanoi.