Dental fillings are used to restore damaged or decayed teeth to their normal function and appearance. Fillings are most commonly needed to treat cavities caused by tooth decay. Having a filling is a common procedure and, in most cases, can be completed in one appointment.
The dentist firstly removes the decay, cleans and treats the affected area and then restores the tooth with composite filling material. This procedure is commonly performed using local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area; however local anaesthetic is not necessary in all cases. There are several different types of filling materials, and your dentist will explain the best options for you.