At one time (not that long ago), dentists almost always pulled teeth that had cavities or other problems. Fortunately, modern dentists focus on prevention and restoration and only recommend extractions as a last resort. One of the main procedures used to repair a damaged tooth is a dental filling. Nearly everyone has gotten one at some point, but it’s still quite common for patients to be unsure of how fillings work. Another common question is, “Do they ever need to be replaced?” Keep reading to find out how fillings improve your oral health and how to tell when they need to be replaced.