Dental fillings are used to fill cavities or decay and repair chipped or worn teeth. Fillings can be done with amalgam (silver), but is most commonly done with materials called composite resin fillings that are designed to match the color of your teeth.

Additional steps are required for tooth-colored fillings because it requires multiple layers and a special light to dry and harden the area around the filling.

To fill a tooth, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area around the tooth. A dental handpiece will be used to remove the decayed area and your dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. In some cases, your dentist may apply a liner for your tooth called a glass ionomer to help protect the tooth and nerve before the tooth is filled. After your filling is complete, most dentists will polish the tooth to make it feel smooth and natural.

The procedure can vary in time and cost depending on the extent of the damage to the tooth. If you have any questions about fillings, please contact our office today.