What is the definition or description of: dental filling?

Dental Filling: A dental restoration or dental filling is a dental restorative material used to restore the function, integrity and morphology of missing tooth structure. The structural loss typically results from caries or external trauma. http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/dental+filling.

Restorative material: A filling is a dental material to replace a portion of the tooth lost due to fracture or decay. It can be composite (white), silver or gold.

Many types: The dentist may also refer to it as a "restoration". There are many material types including: 1) composites (composite resin, compomer, flowable composite) which may also be referred to as "bondings". 2) amalgam which may be referred to as "silver" or "metal" fillings. 3) glass ionomers 4) temporary, provisional, or sedative fillings.

Tooth cover: A filling covers a tooth. When a carious lesion is present it is removed by a dentist. There would be a hole left behind and the filling material fills or covers the hole.

Various: A "dental filling" is one of several materials including silver amalgam, composite resin, porcelain or gold alloy that is used to repair or restore missing or damaged tooth structure.