Dental fillings are used to fill in teeth that have been affected by tooth decay and cavities. When patients develop cavities, the dentist removes portions of the natural teeth that are infected. Tooth fillings can prevent infection. If you need dental work like a root canal performed across several visits, a temporary tooth filling can be placed to give the tooth and gums ample time to heal. Dental fillings are not only used to fill decayed teeth but can be used also to repa