Fillings are used to fill cavities caused by decay or broken teeth. This is the most common type of restoration. The tooth is cleaned, the decay is removed, and the dentist will suggest a filling material such as a composite resin or a silver amalgam. Composite resin restorations are recommended in visible areas and are much more common than silver amalgam. Other options are a glass ionomer which acts more like a sealant. It is more opaque than a composite resin and a resin-modified glass ionomer which has better esthetic property than the pure glass ionomer.