Fillings help restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function, and can prevent further decay. Your dentist will consider a number of factors when choosing which type of filling material is best for you. These factors include the extent of the repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed and the cost. 
What to Expect During a Filling
- Local anesthesia – at the beginning of your filling procedure, you may be given local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth.
- Tooth decay removal – then the dentist will cut through the enamel using a drill to remove any decay. After the dentist removes the decay, the dentist will shape the space to ready it for the filling.
- Etching – for a bonded filling your dentist will etch the tooth with an acid gel before placing the filling.
- Resin application – for certain types of fillings the dentist will layer on the resin and harden it using a bright light. This makes it strong.
- Polishing – after the filling has been placed, your dentist will polish the tooth.
