Fillings

A filling helps to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal functions and shape, and helps prevent further decay by eliminating areas where bacteria can enter the tooth. The filling material used is called composite. Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and results in a smaller filling. Composites can also be bonded or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth.