Tooth fillings are one of the most common dental services. Whether you have a cavity, a chip, or a crack, a filling can restore your tooth’s structure and protect it from further damage. Here’s what to expect.
What Is a Tooth Filling?
A tooth filling is a dental restoration used to treat cavities by removing decay and adding material to the tooth. Fillings can also repair chips and cracks. There are two main types:
- Direct fillings: Completed in one visit, with materials applied directly to the tooth. Materials include amalgam, resin composite, and glass ionomer.
- Indirect fillings: Require two appointments and are custom-designed in a laboratory. Materials include gold and porcelain.
How Tooth Fillings Work
The procedure follows these steps:
- Your dentist numbs the tooth with local anesthesia
- Decayed or damaged tissue is removed using specialized tools
- The empty space is filled with the chosen filling material
- A curing light hardens the material (for resin composite fillings)
- The tooth is smoothed and polished
- You bite down to verify proper fit
After treatment, minor sensitivity and soreness may occur but typically subside within about one week.