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FILLINGS

To treat a cavity your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then "fill" the area on the tooth where the decayed material once lived.

Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding).

WHAT TYPES OF FILLING MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE?

WHAT STEPS ARE INVOLVED IN FILLING A TOOTH?

  1. The dentist will numb the area around the tooth to be filled with a local anesthetic.

  2. The decayed area will be removed by a drill, air abrasion instrument, or a laser. The choice of instrument depends on the individual dentist's comfort level, training, and investment in the particular piece of equipment as well as location and extent of the decay. ​

  3. Your dentist will probe or test the area during the decay removal process to determine if all the decay has been removed.

  4. After removal, your dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris.

    • If the decay is near the root, your dentist may first put in a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve.

    • Generally, after the filling is in, your dentist will finish and polish it.

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Several additional steps are required for tooth-colored fillings:

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  1. After your dentist has removed the decay and cleaned the area, the tooth-colored material is applied in layers.

  2. A special light that "cures" or hardens each layer is applied.

  3. When the multilayering process is completed, your dentist will shape the composite material to the desired result, trim off any excess material, and polish the final restoration.

​The location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, patients' insurance coverage, and your dentist's recommendation assist in determining the type of filling that will best address your needs.

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  • Teeth can be filled with:

  • Gold

  • Porcelain

  • Silver Amalgam

    • Consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper

  • Composite Resin Fillings

    • Tooth-colored, plastic and glass materials

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