Types and Application of Dental Fillings

A dental filling is a treatment used to restore the function and appearance of a decayed, worn, or fractured tooth. Filling material is placed into the damaged tooth to improve both chewing ability and appearance, while also preventing decay from progressing into pain or eventual tooth loss.

The material used is the most important factor determining both the type and cost of a filling. The most common materials today are amalgam, composite, inlay/onlay, and ceramic (porcelain). The size of the area being filled and any preparatory work on the tooth also affect the outcome.

Compomer fillings are used only in baby teeth and release fluoride. Amalgam fillings are silver-colored, durable, and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for molars. Composite fillings, made from a blend of glass or quartz and acrylic, can be produced in tooth-matching shades, making them advantageous both aesthetically and functionally.

Ceramic (porcelain) fillings have a hardness nearly identical to natural teeth, offering long durability and an appearance virtually indistinguishable from the tooth itself, which is why they are often used for front teeth as well. Inlays and onlays are made from ceramic or fiber-reinforced composite, are typically used on teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, and can last for decades with proper care.

The procedure begins with an examination, followed by removal of the decayed area under local anesthesia; if needed, an impression is taken so a permanent filling can be prepared in a lab while a temporary filling protects the tooth. The permanent filling is then placed during a follow-up visit — the process is generally planned over two sessions.

While a filling's lifespan depends on the material used, good oral hygiene, regular flossing, and avoiding using teeth to bite hard objects all help it last longer. Regular dental checkups are also important for the health of filled teeth.