A dental filling is a common restorative dental treatment used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay (cavities), minor cracks, or wear. The procedure involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the space with a dental material to restore the tooth’s strength, shape, and function. Unlike permanent restorations like crowns, fillings help strengthen the tooth while preserving as much of the natural structure as possible.
Why Choose a Dental Filling?
Dental fillings are recommended to:
By sealing the cavity, fillings protect your tooth from bacterial invasion and future damage.
Dentists may use different filling materials depending on the location of the tooth, extent of decay, esthetic needs, and patient preferences:
Composite fillings are made from a resin mixed with glass or quartz particles. They are matched to your natural tooth color and bonded directly to the tooth structure.
Amalgam fillings are made from a blend of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They are strong, durable, and cost-effective, making them a traditional choice for back teeth.
Ceramic fillings are made from porcelain and offer both strength and a natural, stain-resistant appearance. They are usually fabricated in a dental laboratory & bonded to tooth.
Glass ionomer fillings are made from a blend of acrylic and fine glass particles. They bond chemically to the tooth and release fluoride, which can help protect against further decay.
Gold fillings are custom-made in a laboratory and used less frequently today due to cost and appearance. However, they offer excellent durability and biocompatibility when placed correctly.
Your dentist examines the affected tooth and may take X-rays to assess decay depth and decide the best filling material.
Local anesthesia is applied to ensure a comfortable experience during treatment.
Decayed or damaged tissue is carefully removed using dental instruments.
The cavity is cleaned and prepared to ensure the filling bonds securely to the tooth.
The chosen filling material is placed, shaped, and hardened. For composites, a curing light is used to solidify the material.
The filling is smoothed and polished so that your bite feels natural and comfortable.
Fillings restore normal biting and chewing ability, letting you eat comfortably.
By sealing the cavity, fillings block bacteria from entering and causing more damage.
Early restoration prevents the need for more extensive procedures such as crowns or root canals.
Tooth-colored fillings enhance your smile while blending seamlessly with adjacent teeth.
With proper hygiene and dental check-ups, dental fillings can last many years.
Most patients feel little to no pain because local anesthesia is used. Some sensitivity may occur afterward but usually subsides quickly.
Lifespan depends on the material and oral care: composites often last 5–10 years, while amalgam and ceramic options may last longer.
Yes — composite and ceramic fillings can be matched to your natural tooth shade for an unobtrusive appearance.
By sealing exposed areas, fillings can actually reduce sensitivity to hot or cold over time.
Delaying treatment can allow decay to worsen, possibly leading to infection or the need for more extensive care like a root canal.