Filling: Fillings help restore
teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function, and can prevent further
decay. We will consider a number of factors when choosing which type of filling
material is best for you. These factors include the extent of the repair, where
in your mouth the filling is needed and the cost.A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. When a dentist gives you a filling, he or she first removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cleaned out cavity with a filling material.
By closing off spaces where bacteria can enter, a filling also helps prevent further decay. Materials used for fillings include a composite resin (tooth-colored fillings) and an amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and sometimes zinc).