A filling is a material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after the dentist removes any tooth decay. To fill a tooth, your dentist will numb the area, drill out the decay, and put in a filling. There are many types of fillings.
You need a filling when tooth decay has caused a hole (cavity) to form on a tooth surface. If you don't get a filling, the cavity will get worse. It may cause pain and then an abscess. This may lead to more severe problems, such as bone loss.
Your dentist will start by numbing your teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding skin. First the dentist will put a substance that feels like jelly directly on the area. This starts the numbing process. Then the dentist will inject an anesthetic to complete the process. Some dentists will give you nitrous oxide gas (laughing gas) to reduce your pain and help you relax.
Some dentists use a small sheet of rubber on a metal frame (rubber dam) to target the decayed tooth. This can stop liquid and tooth chips from entering the mouth and throat.
Then your dentist will drill out all the decay and replace it with a filling.
Fillings can be made from many types of material. Talk to your dentist about which type would be best for you.
A filling repairs the tooth and stops tooth decay. Over a long period of time, you may need to replace a worn-out filling.
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