Dentist Nuremberg St. Peter
Dental Fillings: Composite, Inlays & More
Tooth-coloured, well sealed and durable: composite fillings, self-adhesive fillings and ceramic inlays – and what insurance pays since amalgam was phased out.
Tooth decay is still the most common dental disease. If it is detected early, a small filling is usually enough. Since 1 January 2025 amalgam has been largely banned in the EU – today there are good tooth-coloured alternatives for every situation.
Composite fillings or self-adhesive filling materials are suitable for small to medium defects, ceramic inlays for large defects in back teeth. Since 2025, German statutory insurers cover fillings with self-adhesive materials in back teeth without a co-payment; more elaborate multi-layer composites and ceramic inlays are possible with a co-payment.
Filling materials compared
| Material | Suitable for | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Self-adhesive material (e.g. glass hybrid) | small to medium fillings | tooth-coloured, covered by insurance, simple to place |
| Composite (layering technique) | front and back teeth | very aesthetic, high strength, built up in layers |
| Ceramic inlay/onlay | large defects in back teeth | very durable, well sealed, made with CAD/CAM |
| Temporary filling | transition, e.g. during root canal treatment | only intended for a short time |

How a composite filling is made
Procedure- Anaesthesia and removing decaygently and preserving as much tooth as possible.
- Keeping drywith rubber dam where possible, because moisture weakens the bond.
- Adhesive pre-treatmentThe tooth is prepared for bonding.
- Layered build-upThe composite is placed in layers and cured with light.
- Finishing and polishingWe adapt the chewing surface to your bite.
Old amalgam fillings do not have to be replaced as a precaution as long as they are intact. If a filling is leaking or broken, we replace it with a tooth-coloured material.
Book your appointment at the Zahnarztpraxis St. Peter – via online booking or by phone on 0911 554181. You will find us at Hainstraße 25, 90461 Nürnberg (tram 6/10 to Scharrerstraße, patient parking via Scharrerstraße).
Frequently asked questions
How long does a composite filling last?
Well-placed composite fillings often last many years. Durability depends on size, location, oral hygiene and grinding.
Should I have my amalgam fillings replaced?
Intact amalgam fillings do not need to be replaced. Removal briefly releases more mercury vapour than an intact filling. We replace them if they are defective or if you would like them replaced for other reasons.
Do I need anaesthesia for a filling?
Not always for small defects. We discuss it with you – your comfort comes first.


