In order to preserve the tooth your dentist will remove the decay and fill in the cavity with one of several types of fillings.

1. DENTAL FILLINGS

2.  No matter how well you take care
of your teeth or how many times
you brush or floss, sometimes
you’re bound to develop a cavity.
Fillings can also be required if your
teeth are damaged due to a crack
or if you bite your nails or grind
your teeth. In order to preserve the
tooth your dentist will remove the
decay and fill in the cavity with one
of several types of fillings.

3.  The dentist numbs the area around your tooth with an anesthetic so
you don’t experience pain during the procedure.
 Then he uses a drill or laser to get rid of the decay and then clean out
any bacteria.
 Then he’ll fill the tooth with the appropriate material and shape it to
the cavity before he cures or hardens the material with a special
laser light.
 Then he will remove the excess material so the filling is comfortable
in your mouth.
STEPS TO FILLING A TOOTH

4. Composites or Tooth-Colored Fillings
Silver or Amalgam Fillings
Gold Fillings
Indirect Fillings
Temporary Fillings
TYPES OF FILLINGS

5.  These have become quite common in the world of dentistry because
they don’t stand out and match the color of your other teeth. They’re
ideal for more visible teeth, like those in the front of your mouth. It
is strong material and chemically binds to the tooth, making it ideal
for broken, worn or chipped teeth as well as typical cavities. They do
have some drawbacks though. They’re not as durable as other types
of fillings and generally last around five years, requiring more
frequent visits to the dentist for upkeep. In certain locations in your
mouth the composite fillings are under more pressure and can chip
away. They also tend to be more expensive than other types of
fillings and might not be covered by your insurance carrier.
COMPOSITES OR TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS

6.  Silver fillings are designed to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years,
making them much more durable than composites. They’re also
stronger and are able to withstand chewing better than other types.
Since they’re cheaper, insurance companies are more likely to cover
the expense. There are a few drawbacks to silver fillings though.
They don’t match the color of your teeth and will stand out more
than composites. The amalgam can also cause slight discoloration of
the tooth near it with a grayish hue. Your dentist might also have to
remove more of your tooth than he would if he used a composite
because silver fillings take up more room. The amalgam also
expands and contracts more with hot or cold foods, which can cause
the tooth itself to develop a crack.
SILVER OR AMALGAM FILLINGS

7.  Gold fillings are the most durable of the three most common types,
being designed to last at least 15 years, possibly more because they
don’t corrode. They’re strong and some individuals prefer the look of
gold to silver, but it’s an individual preference and others would
prefer to have a composite filling that matches their other teeth. The
primary drawback to gold fillings is their cost. They can cost up to
10 times as much as silver fillings. The process is also more extensive
and, in some instances, will require more than one visit to the dentist
to complete the job.
GOLD FILLINGS

8.  Indirect fillings are required when there isn’t enough left of the tooth
for a traditional filling, but there isn’t enough decay to require a
crown. They are very similar to tooth-colored fillings, but they
require two visits for placement and need to be specially created in a
dental laboratory after an impression of your tooth has been made.
They typically last up to 30 years, making them the most durable
type of filling.
INDIRECT FILLINGS

9.  Your dentist may decide to use a temporary filling under certain
circumstances, such as after a root canal, for fillings that require
multiple visits or if the nerve in the tooth needs time to relax after it
becomes irritated. They can also be used in emergency dental
procedures. They are designed to fall out or wear away after about a
month.
TEMPORARY FILLINGS

10.  After you get a filling you’ll want to preserve it for as long as
possible. Basic dental care such as brushing your teeth at least twice
a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride, flossing after meals and
using mouthwash. You’ll also want to make sure you visit the dentist
for a cleaning every six months and to ensure that you aren’t
experiencing problems with any of your other teeth. If you have
reason to believe that your filling might be cracked or damaged in
some way, indicated by sensitivity or a missing piece of the filling,
schedule an appointment with your dentist to minimize potential
damage.
FILLING AFTERCARE

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