Cavities are one of the most common oral health problems.
Although many children (and adults) tend to think their teeth are impervious, this is simply not the case.
Not brushing and flossing daily and eating too many sweets can be the fast track to tooth decay.
A cavity is what happens when teeth rot out; it is basically a hole in the enamel that can become progressively worse over time unless the gap is filled.
In this regard, a few options are available to patients.
There are a number of fillings you can get from your dentist, all of which have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Due to their cheap cost and long-lasting durability, silver amalgams are one of the most popular types of fillings.
However, a lot of people prefer to spend the extra money on their composite and ceramic counterparts for the sake of appearance.
At any rate, the choice of filling type is solely up to you, although your dentist will likely recommend one over the other as they see fit.
If you are scheduled to have this procedure, being prepared beforehand will make the process go smoother.
A lot of people have unnecessary fears when it comes to dental operations, but such fears are largely unjustified.
Thanks to modern medicine and technology, fillings can be completed relatively quickly with minimal side effects to patients.
It should be noted, however, that for people who have multiple cavities, especially those which are severe, the procedure can become quite intensive.
Preparing for a Filling: What You Need to Know

• Material selection; the first thing your dentist will do is speak with you about which type of material you want to have.
  These consist of gold fillings, silver amalgams, composites, ceramics and glass ionomers.
  The latter are often administered to children, since they are designed to release small amounts of fluoride, the main ingredient in toothpaste which cleans teeth and helps forestall the effects of decay.
  
• Applying the anesthetic; to numb the area and to provide you with a sense of comfort and calm, your dentist will inject a mild anesthetic.
  For most people, this will be more than enough to put them at ease.
  Don't hesitate to inform your dentist if you have any concerns or have a low tolerance for pain.
  They can also give you an IV or nitrous oxide if need be.
  
• Removing the decayed tissue and cleaning out the debris; when it comes to the removal process, your dentist will either use a specialized laser, air abrasion device or dental drill.
  
• Inserting and finalizing the filling; once the cavity has been thoroughly cleaned out, your dentist will put the filling in and polish it.
  

Getting a filling is nothing to be concerned about.
It is a procedure millions of people have every year, and the potential for complications is minimal.