Fillings

Also known as: dental filling, tooth filling, composite filling, cavity filling.

What are fillings?

The dental filling or restoration is a treatment to restore function, integrity and shape of the tooth structure, preventing further decay and destruction of the tooth. A filling is a material inserted into a prepared tooth cavity after decay is removed. Usually the material is tooth-colored.

What happens during the procedure?

The procedure usually requires local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surround tissue to avoid and lessen discomfort. Then, decay is removed with a drill and other dental tools. Finally, the filling is inserted into the tooth and adjusted as needed.

Is any special preparation needed?

Usually no special preparation is needed. However, at the first consultation, the pediatric dentist will determine if any special preparation is necessary and discuss it with you.

What are the risk factors?

Usually the insertion of a filling is fairly straightforward and goes smoothly. However some potential risks related to this procedure may include discomfort, pain, bleeding, infection, damage to the surrounding gum and tissue and the filling falling out.

Reviewed by: Vanessa Lopes de Freitas, DDS

This page was last updated on: June 24, 2021 01:46 PM