Fillings are a dental treatment used to treat cavities by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and then filling the area with another material.

Fillings can be composed of different materials such as gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, and composite resin.

A tooth-colored filling has the added benefit of blending in well with the surrounding tooth and creating a less noticeable appearance.

How do tooth fillings work?

The first step involved is your dentist numbing the affected area with a local anesthetic.

Then, a tool such as a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser is used to remove the decayed area. The dentist will thoroughly inspect the area to ensure that all tooth decay has been adequately removed, and then clean the cavity of any remaining debris.

The cavity is then filled with the chosen material. Depending on the material and methods used, it may be cured, finished and/or polished.