The procedure for a dental filling is used to repair minor fractures or decay in the teeth, as a form of restorative dental treatment.
A dental filling can help to even out the surface of the tooth and improve the function of the jaw for biting and chewing. Many patients with tooth decay also suffer from sensitivity of the teeth due to loss of enamel, which can also be improved significantly with the placement of a dental filling.
There are several types of filling materials such as gold; porcelain; silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper); or tooth-colored, plastic, and materials called composite resin fillings.