A filling is a synthetic material that Drs. Coyle, Scott and Stine use to fill a cavity after all of the tooth decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt because the dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic (typically Novocain) and relax your body with a light dose of nitrous oxide. Fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including amalgam, composites, gold, or ceramic. If you need a filling, be sure and talk to Drs. Coyle and Stine about what type is best for you and your teeth.