Dental decay is something most of us will face. More than 95 percent of American adults require at least one filling at some point during their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Fillings provide an alternative to prevent further decay. These fillings are made of composite material that come in a wide variety of shades to match your tooth. Once your filling is placed and cured with a special curing light, it will feel very much like your natural tooth and blend in perfectly.

Different fillings require an array of procedures to make sure they will fit properly and stay that way, and your dentist may put in a liner or base within the tooth to protect the nerves.