Dental fillings are a dental procedure used to treat problems such as cavities or fractures in a tooth. The process involves cleaning the damaged part of the tooth and then filling it with a filling material.

Tooth decay occurs when the enamel is eroded by acids. If left untreated, decay can spread to the inside of the tooth and lead to more serious problems. The most common method for treating tooth decay is dental fillings.

Materials used for dental fillings include amalgam, composite resin, ceramic, and gold. Amalgam fillings are preferred for back teeth because of their silver color, while composite resin fillings are more frequently used for front teeth because they blend in with the tooth color.

The dental filling procedure is generally painless and performed under local anesthesia. First, the damaged part of the tooth is cleaned and decayed tissue is removed. Then, the filling material is applied to the tooth and shaped. Finally, the filling material is hardened, and adjustments are made as needed to ensure it fits the tooth.

In addition to treating cavities, dental fillings can also improve the shape and function of teeth. It also helps protect teeth against decay. Dental fillings are a safe and effective treatment method performed by dentists.