Purpose: Dental fillings serve the primary purpose of restoring the function, integrity, and shape of a tooth that has been damaged by decay (cavities) or fractures. They help to prevent further decay by sealing off the affected area.

Materials: Dental fillings can be made from various materials, including amalgam (a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper), composite resin (a tooth-colored material made of plastic and glass particles), gold, or porcelain. The choice of material often depends on factors such as the location of the tooth, the extent of the damage, and cosmetic considerations.

Procedure: The process of placing a dental filling typically involves the following steps: