How Are Fillings Done?
Most fillings start with numbing the area so you won’t feel pain or discomfort.
After a few minutes to let the anesthetic thoroughly numb the area, your dentist will begin removing the cavity or decay by filing the tooth and shaping a hole to fill.
- Direct fillings are applied directly into the cavity after any decay has been removed. They harden quickly and, in most cases, can be completed in one appointment. Amalgam (silver) and plastic (white) fillings are examples of direct fillings.
- Indirect fillings and inlays. These are custom-made caps that fit over the top of the tooth and are cemented in place. These often take more than one appointment to complete.