They are made from substances which can ‘fill’ in parts of a damaged tooth and then be set hard. Dental fillings cannot completely repair all damage to teeth but may be necessary to maintain the tooth structure and keep teeth doing their important jobs. will first use a drill and other tools to remove any decay.
Tooth decay is when the tooth structure has turned soft due to disease.
If needed, they will use a local anesthetic to make sure you are comfortable throughout the process. Once any decay has been removed, the hole in the tooth is cleaned and dried, and then filled with a filling material.
Types of filling material include: porcelain#
Each different material has benefits and limitations#
Some types of material may be better than others in certain situations.
Your oral health professional can discuss your options with you#
Some people are worried about having a filling made of dental amalgam because it contains mercury.
High levels of mercury are harmful to human health, but the level of ‘free’ mercury (mercury that could get into the body) in set amalgam fillings is so low that it has no effect on health.
If you are nervous about getting a dental filling, be sure to talk about your concerns with your oral health professional.
An intact healthy tooth is stronger than a filled one, so it’s important to try and avoid fillings due to tooth decay.
Cleaning your teeth twice a day, enjoying a wide variety of nutritious foods and choosing tap can all help to prevent tooth decay and the need for fillings. can help to make sure any problems are found and treated early. Finding decay in the early stages means less tooth is destroyed in the process of getting a filling.
Ask your oral health professional how often you should have a dental check-up. provides public dental services through the Royal Dental Hospital Grand Rapids and community dental clinics, for eligible people.
For more information about public dental services#
Dental fillings are used to repair worn, decayed or damaged teeth Getting a dental filling If the filling is to repair damage caused by tooth decay, your oral health professional composite resin (also known as ‘tooth-colored’ fillings) glass-ionomer cement dental amalgam (also known as ‘silver’ fillings, rarely used) gold (rarely used due to cost) Amalgam (‘silver’) fillings are safe How to avoid dental fillings water over sugary drinks Regular dental check-ups
Where to get help#
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.