Overview

Learn how fillings and restorative procedures repair cavities, fractures, wear, and minor tooth damage.

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Dental Fillings and Tooth Restoration - Overview

Dental fillings are used to restore teeth affected by decay, small fractures, enamel damage, erosion, or wear. During treatment, the dentist removes damaged or decayed tissue, cleans the area, and places a restorative material.

Common materials include composite resin, glass ionomer, ceramic, gold, and dental amalgam. Tooth-colored composite is widely used in visible areas because it can be matched to the surrounding enamel.

Small and moderate defects may be repaired with direct fillings completed in one appointment. Larger areas of damage may require an inlay, onlay, overlay, or crown produced in a dental laboratory.

Diagnosis may involve visual examination, dental X-rays, sensitivity testing, and evaluation of the bite. Early cavities may not cause symptoms, while deeper decay can lead to sensitivity, pain, food trapping, infection, or fracture.

The choice of restoration depends on the size and position of the cavity, remaining tooth structure, bite pressure, aesthetic expectations, moisture control, and risk of future decay.

Treating decay early may reduce the likelihood of root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

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