Substance placed in a dental cavity (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: FILLING (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Substance placed in a dental cavity" with 7 letters is "FILLING".Filling is a material used by dentists to restore a tooth damaged by decay, placed inside the cavity after the decayed portion is removed. It helps protect the tooth from further decay, restores its normal function, and maintains its shape and strength for proper chewing.
Why “Filling” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning “substance placed in a dental cavity.” The answer, FILLING, fits perfectly:
- Substance placed in a dental cavity: Filling refers to the material a dentist uses to fill a cavity in a tooth after removing decayed portions — precisely matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With seven letters, filling fits the enumeration exactly.
- Precise meaning: The word describes both the act and the result of repairing a tooth void, restoring its shape and function.
In dentistry, filling is one of the most common treatments for tooth decay and preservation:
- Origin and usage: Derived from the verb fill (to make full or supply something missing), the noun form filling began to be used medically in the late 18th century when restorative dentistry advanced.
Function:
- Filling materials are placed in a cleaned cavity to prevent further decay, restore normal chewing, and reinforce tooth structure.
- The process aims to close spaces where bacteria could enter.
Typical materials used:
- Amalgam: A durable silver-colored mix of metals, used for molars.
- Composite resin: A tooth-coloured material, ideal for visible areas.
- Gold or porcelain: Premium options offering durability and appearance.
Examples:
- “The dentist replaced an old filling with a new composite one.”
- “She needed two fillings after her check-up.”
- “Gold fillings were once a popular choice for back teeth.”
In quick crosswords like “Substance placed in a dental cavity (7),” the clue relies on literal, real-world knowledge rather than wordplay:
Definition: The description directly points to a dental material known universally as a filling.
Clue type: Straight definition clue — simple, factual, and descriptive.
Letter pattern: Seven-letter answers often signify a noun derived from a verb, which fits here: fill → filling.
Common solving cue: When a clue mentions “tooth,” “cavity,” “decay,” or “dentist,” the answer is likely filling, enamel, or crown, depending on the clue’s tone and length.
