Dental fillings, also called restorations, are a frequent treatment for cavities, which are areas of rotting teeth that create small holes. A single substance or a combination of materials, such as glass, plastic, metal, or other substances, are used to fill up damaged tooth areas before being hardened.

• Cavities, sometimes called decay of the teeth or caries, are portions of the teeth’ hard surface that have been irreparably destroyed and have formed pits or holes.
• Some things, such as oral bacteria, frequent snacking, consuming sugary beverages, and inadequate tooth cleaning, contribute to their development.
• Cavities can affect anyone who has teeth.

• It is a semi-permanent method to treat a damaged tooth.
• These fillings aren’t meant to last, so a follow-up consultation with the dentist is required to change a short-term fill for a permanent one.
• When combined with saliva, their softer construction elements become harder. A filling may contain glass ionomers, Cavit, zinc phosphate cement, zinc oxide eugenol, or intermediate restorative materials.
• Over time, they deteriorate gradually. The softer substance means they could break and fall out if they aren’t changed.

Contact the dentist right away if any of the following signs appear after obtaining a filling

• Loose filling that falls out from the cavity.
• Severe pain following a filling.
• Extremely sensitive filled tooth.
• Gums close to the filling become warm or red.
• Swollen gum near the filled tooth.