Dental fillings are a common restorative treatment used to repair teeth damaged by decay, wear, or minor fractures. A filling restores the tooth’s natural shape, improves its strength, and enhances overall appearance and function.

Made from a variety of durable materials, dental fillings smooth and rebuild the tooth’s surface, allowing for more comfortable and efficient biting and chewing. With proper care, high-quality fillings can last many years, helping maintain both the health and aesthetics of your smile.

Types of Dental Fillings

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are made from a blend of glass or quartz filler mixed with a resin base, creating a strong, natural-looking restoration. Also called filled resins, these fillings are ideal for small to mid-sized restorations, offering excellent strength, durability, and resistance to fracture.

One of the biggest advantages of composite fillings is their aesthetic appeal. The material can be precisely color-matched to your natural teeth, so the restoration blends seamlessly with your smile—making it virtually unnoticeable.

Glass Ionomers

Glass ionomer fillings are tooth-colored restorations made from a blend of acrylic and glass materials. They are most commonly used in children’s teeth or in areas where the cavity is small and not subject to heavy chewing pressure.

One unique benefit of glass ionomer fillings is their ability to release fluoride, which helps protect the tooth from further decay. However, this material is less durable than composite resin, typically lasting about five years or less before a replacement may be needed.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for decades and are valued for their strength, durability, and affordability. Made from a blend of metals including silver, tin, copper, and mercury, they are especially effective for restoring molars and teeth exposed to heavy chewing pressure.

While amalgam is a long-lasting and cost-effective option, many patients prefer other materials because of its metallic silver appearance, which can be visible when talking, eating, or smiling.

The Dental Filling Procedure

The dental filling process is typically completed in a single appointment and is designed to restore both the health and appearance of the affected tooth.

Step One: Decay Removal and Tooth Preparation

The dentist begins by removing any decay or damaged tooth structure using a precision dental handpiece or laser. The cleaned surface is then prepared for the filling material, ensuring a strong bond and smooth restoration.

Step Two: Filling and Shaping the Tooth

Once the tooth is prepared, the chosen filling material—such as composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer—is placed into the cavity. The material is shaped, hardened, and polished to match the natural contour and color of the surrounding teeth for a seamless finish.

Most dental fillings are completed in one visit, allowing patients to resume normal eating and speaking immediately afterward.

Additional Restorative Care

In some cases, a tooth may require additional support after a filling—such as a crown, bridge, or dental implant—to restore full strength and function. For severely decayed or infected teeth, a root canal may be necessary before restoration.

Before beginning treatment, the dentist will discuss all filling material options and recommend the best choice based on the tooth’s location, size of decay, and cosmetic preferences.

Additional Resources

MedlinePlus
National Institutes of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
WebMD