When a tooth decays, a dentist will remove the decayed portion and fill the resulting cavity with a substance called a filling. Fillings can be made from a variety of materials, including gold, silver amalgam, composite resin, and glass ionomer cement. The type of filling used will depend on the location and size of the cavity, as well as the patient's budget and preferences.
Fillings are important because they restore the tooth's structure and function, and prevent further decay. They can also improve the appearance of the tooth, especially if the filling is made from a tooth-colored material.
