Filling

What is a Filling? 

A filling is one way to restore a damaged tooth from decay and back to its normal function and shape. As you are given a filling, the decayed tooth material is removed first, as followed by a cleaning to the affected area, and the cleaned out cavity is then sealed off with a filling material.

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By closing off spaces where bacteria can enter, a filling also helps prevent further decay. Materials used for fillings include gold, porcelain, a composite resin (tooth-colored fillings), and an amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and sometimes zinc).

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Signs and symptoms you may need a filling:

• A visible, open hole in your tooth surface

• A brown or black stain on your tooth which can’t be removed

• Acute, sharp pain when you bite down or eat

• Throbbing or aching when you eat or drink hot, cold, or sweet foods or beverages

• A toothache that does not go away

Fillings are sometimes necessary to replace an old filling that has begun to leak. Signs and symptoms of a leaking filling are similar to those listed above, and you also need to look for:

• A filling that is chipped, cracked, or broken

• A crumbling, broken margin where the filling meets your tooth surface