Prior to undergoing a dental filling, your dentist will inject a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth.
Then, she will use a drill, air abrasion device, or laser to remove the decayed portion. Once all of the decay has been successfully cleared away, the cavity will be cleaned to eliminate any bacteria or debris and prep the tooth for filling.
Tooth colored fillings are applied in a layered fashion, and each layer will be cured with a light to harden it. The material is then shaped, and any excess is trimmed away.
The procedure ends with a polishing of the final restoration.