What is a Filling

Your dentist will use a small mirror to examine the surfaces of each tooth, and anything that looks abnormal such as discoloration, is sensitive to temperature changes or defective, will be closely checked and X-rayed. The treatment will depend on the extent of damage and the type of filling you agree on.

The right type of tooth filling for you will depend on the extent of the repair, any allergies to filling materials, the location of the cavity and the cost.

• Gold fillings are made to order and then cemented into place. Gold inlays are well tolerated by gum tissues and might last more than 20 years. It's often the most expensive choice and requires multiple visits.
• Amalgam (silver) fillings are resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive, says the ADA. Due to their dark color, they aren't the best choice for highly visible areas.
• Composite resins look more natural because they're matched to the color of your teeth. Composites are less durable and can become stained just like teeth, so they don't last as long as other types of fillings. However, they do better in smaller fillings.
• Porcelain fillings, called inlays or onlays, are made custom in a lab and then bonded to your tooth. They're matched to your tooth color and resist staining. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth. Their cost is similar to gold.

When you get a filling, you might first be given local anesthesia to numb the area. Next, your dentist will likely use a drill to cut through the enamel and remove decay. Once the drill reaches the dentin, or second layer of the tooth, the dentist typically uses a lower-speed drill, because dentin is softer than enamel. Your dentist will shape the space to prepare it for the filling. They might also put in a base or a liner to protect the tooth's pulp (where the nerves are).

If your dentist is placing a bonded filling, (generally done with composite fillings) they will first etch the tooth with an acid gel. Etching makes tiny holes in the tooth's enamel that the composite material fills as the dentist places the filling. A bonding material is also used so that the filling bonds to the tooth in two ways. Bonded fillings can reduce the risk of leakage or decay under the filling.

Certain types of composite fillings get hardened by a special light. With these fillings, your dentist will layer the material, stopping several times to shine a bright light on the resin to cure (harden) the material and make it strong.

Finally, your dentist will use burs to finish and polish the filled tooth. Occasionally, sharp edges might remain after your appointment. These can easily be fixed by your dentist during a follow-up visit.