![a tooth with a cavity](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/composite-filling-posterior-cut-sheet/Image_002.jpg)
A small cavity, or hole in your tooth can be repaired with a composite filling.
![a tooth being worked on with a tool](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/composite-filling-posterior-cut-sheet/Image_004.jpg)
First, the decayed portion of your tooth is removed, leaving a small area that will be filled with composite.
![a tooth with a space for a filling](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/composite-filling-posterior-cut-sheet/Image_006.jpg)
Next, a bonding fluid is applied so that the filling will attach to the natural tooth structure. A curing light is used to set the bonding fluid.
![the tooth getting composite filled in](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/composite-filling-posterior-cut-sheet/Image_011.jpg)
Your dentist then fills the prepared area with composite material.
![a tool shaping the composite on a tooth](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/composite-filling-posterior-cut-sheet/Image_012.jpg)
Your dentist shapes it to match the contours of your tooth surface.
![a handheld curing light over the tooth](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/composite-filling-posterior-cut-sheet/Image_010.jpg)
A special curing light is used to harden the composite.
![the composite being polished on the tooth](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/composite-filling-posterior-cut-sheet/Image_014.jpg)
Finally, your dentist smooths and polishes the filling to match the rest of your tooth.
![the repaired set of teeth](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/composite-filling-posterior-cut-sheet/Image_015.jpg)
Your tooth is now free of decay and restored to its natural strength and appearance.
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