A dental filling is a restorative procedure used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, fractures, or other issues. The filling restores the tooth’s structure, strength, and function, preventing further damage. Here’s an overview of the process, types, and post-care for dental fillings:

What Is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling involves cleaning out decayed or damaged portions of a tooth and replacing them with a suitable material to restore the tooth’s integrity.

Materials Used for Dental Fillings

1. Composite Resin

   • Matches the tooth’s natural color.
   • Best for visible teeth.
   • Durable but may stain over time.

2. Amalgam (Silver Fillings)

   • Made of metal alloys like mercury, silver, and tin.
   • Highly durable and cost-effective.
   • More noticeable due to metallic appearance.

3. Ceramic (Porcelain) Fillings

   • Tooth-colored, durable, and stain-resistant.
   • Often used for larger fillings.

4. Gold Fillings

   • Extremely durable and long-lasting.
   • Expensive and not tooth-colored.

5. Glass Ionomer

   • Releases fluoride to protect teeth.
   • Often used in children’s teeth or for small cavities.
   • Less durable compared to other materials.

Procedure for Dental Filling

1. Examination and Diagnosis

   • Dentist identifies the cavity or damage using X-rays or visual inspection.

2. Preparation

   • The tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic.
   • Decayed or damaged areas are removed.

3. Filling Placement

   • The material is placed in layers and hardened using a special light (for resin fillings).
   • Dentist shapes and polishes the filling to ensure a comfortable bite.