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Teeth Fillings Terminology

Explore our dental dictionary to learn about common dental fillings terms. If you have any other questions or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you!
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Dental Fillings

Types of Fillings

  • Amalgam: A silver-colored filling material that is strong and durable but contains mercury.
  • Composite Resin: A tooth-colored filling material that blends in with your natural teeth.
  • Gold: A highly durable and long-lasting filling material, but it is also the most expensive.
  • Porcelain (Inlays/Onlays): Custom-made, tooth-colored fillings used for larger cavities.

Filling Procedures

  • Cavity Preparation: The process of removing decayed tooth structure before placing a filling.
  • Bonding: The process of attaching a filling to the tooth structure.
  • Curing Light: A special light used to harden composite resin fillings.
  • Etching: Applying an acidic solution to prepare the tooth surface for bonding.
  • Finishing and Polishing: Smoothing and shaping the filling to ensure a proper fit and bite.

Related Terms

  • Caries: The technical term for tooth decay or cavities.
  • Cavity: A hole in a tooth caused by decay.
  • Composite Bonding: Using composite resin to repair chipped or cracked teeth.
  • Indirect Filling: A filling that is made in a dental lab and then cemented onto the tooth (e.g., inlays, onlays).
  • Local Anesthesia: Numbing medication used to prevent pain during dental procedures.
  • Plaque: A sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth and contributes to tooth decay.
  • Radiopaque: Appears white or light gray on an X-ray, indicating denser structures (like fillings).
  • Restoration: A general term for any dental work used to restore the function or appearance of a tooth.
  • Temporary Filling: A filling used to protect a tooth until a permanent filling can be placed.
  • Tooth Decay: The process that occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel.