Dental fillings repair and stabilize a tooth that is otherwise damaged or unhealthy. Fillers are most commonly used to treat cavities – an open pocket in the tooth caused by decay. However, they can also be used to repair cracked, broken, and eroded teeth.  A filling can be composed of different materials, with many of them being a composite of different mouth-safe substances. Some of these materials include: • Gold • Porcelain • Silver amalgam  • Composite resin  • Glass Ionomer Your dental practitioner will make a recommendation of the type of filling best suited to you and your unique situation. Suggestions will vary depending on the location of the damaged tooth, the extent of the damage and/or decay, the cost of filling material, and your insurance coverage.