What is a Filling?
When a dentist gives you a filling, they first remove the decayed and/or damaged tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material.
By closing off spaces where bacteria can enter, a filling also helps prevent further decay.
How Do I Know if I Need a Filling?
Only your dentist can detect whether you have a cavity that needs to be filled. During a checkup, your dentist will use a small mirror to examine the surfaces of each tooth. Anything that looks abnormal will then be closely checked with special instruments. Your dentist may also X-ray your entire mouth or a section of it. The type of treatment available will depend on the clinical situation.
What Happens When You get a Filling?
If your dentist decides to fill a cavity, they will first remove the decay and clean the affected area. The cleaned-out cavity will then be filled with the selected material.