At Ilić Dent Dental Center, the first step in the dental filling procedure is to administer an anesthetic, after which all dentin damaged by decay is removed. After your dentist removes all decay, he or she will place a base which will protect the pulp from the outside environment. Then, the dentist will use an acidic substance to ensure better adhesion between the filling and the tooth. Next, he or she will apply a bonding material and then the filling itself.