Glossary

Teeth Fillings Glossary

Essential terms for understanding dental fillings — the materials used, the steps involved, and how a filled tooth is restored to full function.

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.

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.

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.