What are fillings?

Fillings occur when a dentist must ‘fill in’ a damaged part, or cavity, in one of your teeth. The commonest cause of tooth decay is bacterial infection, caused by hydrolysis of food particles lodged in the teeth which produces acid. The dentist must clear away any affected area and fill the remaining gap.

As well as repairing rotten surfaces, fillings can repair teeth that are broken or cracked, or have been gradually worn by bad habits such as teeth grinding or…

The difference between inlays and onlays (or indirect fillings) and composite or tooth-coloured fillings is that they are made in a dental laboratory. Unlike composite fillings which can be fitted during a single dental appointment, indirect fillings require two visits – the first to fit a temporary filling while the indirect filling is being prepared in the laboratory, the second to fit the replacement. This technique is employed when the tooth structure has become too damaged to…

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