A filling is a structural replacement for a part of a tooth that has been lost through accidental damage, decay or wear.

There are several types of white filling these include “Composite”, “Glass Ionomer” and “Compomer”.

Procedure

1. The tooth is “numbed” if necessary – if a filling is small then it may not need an anaesthetic.
2. The tooth is prepared to accept the filling, this involves removing any decay / old filling material and ensuring that the remaining tooth structure is sound.
3. The tooth is washed and dried using water and air.
4. The tooth surface is then etched with a mild acid to allow the filling to adhere to the tooth.
5. A bonding agent is then is then applied to the tooth which is “set” using a blue light (a shield is used to protect the eyes). This is called “Light-curing” or “Light-set”
6. The filling material is then placed in the prepared cavity and shaped; this is then Light cured”.
7. Finally the new filling is polished and trimmed as required.