A filling is a procedure that involves filling tooth cavities, and there are a number of materials available for filling teeth, such as amalgam fillings, composite fillings, and glass ionomer cements.

A filling is a procedure for restoring the function and shape of a tooth that has been damaged by decay.

A filling also prevents further decay by sealing off spaces where bacteria can enter. Gold, porcelain, composite resin (tooth-colored fillings), and amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and sometimes zinc) are some of the materials used for fillings.

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What is the best type of filling?
Every individual requires a different type of filling. You should consider the extent of the repair, your allergies to certain materials, the location of the filling in your mouth, and the cost before selecting the best option for you. Considerations for different materials include the following:

• Gold fillings
• Amalgam (silver) fillings
• Composite (plastic) resins
• Porcelain fillings

A crown, or cap, may be recommended if a large portion of the tooth has been damaged by decay or fracture. The decay that reaches the nerve can be treated in one of two ways: through root canal therapy (in which the nerve is removed) or by pulp capping (in which the nerve is preserved).

What Happens When You get a Filling?
When your dentist fills a cavity, he or she will first remove the decay and clean the area. Afterwards, the cavity will be filled with any of the materials described above.

Is a filling necessary? How can I tell?
Only your dentist can determine whether you have a cavity that requires filling. During your dental check-up, your dentist will use a small mirror to examine each tooth’s surface.

A special instrument will be used to examine anything that appears abnormal. You may also be subjected to an X-ray of a part of your mouth or the entire mouth. It will depend on the extent of the damage caused by decay which will determine which treatment your dentist chooses.