infillings

Infillings, or infilling, is a term used across several disciplines to describe material or processes that fill gaps, voids, or spaces within a larger object or system. The concept emphasizes adding substance to achieve continuity, stability, or density, rather than creating new external geometry.

In dentistry, the restoration placed to repair a tooth after decay or damage is commonly called a filling. The term infilling is not standard in routine clinical usage, though some discussions refer to an “infill” or “infill material” when discussing restorative compounds such as composite resin, glass ionomer cement, or ceramic alternatives. The goal is to restore tooth shape, function, and protection against further decay.

In urban planning and architecture, infill refers to development within an existing built-up area on vacant or underused parcels rather than expansion into undeveloped land. Infill projects aim to increase density, revitalize neighborhoods, and optimize infrastructure use, while balancing concerns about density, design compatibility, and community impact.

In geology and materials science, infilling describes the deposition or injection of material into pores, cavities, or voids. Examples include mineral-rich fluids filling rock fractures, or resin and metal infiltrating porous substrates to create a solid composite. In archaeology, infilling can refer to the deposition of sediment that fills space within a buried feature after excavation.

In manufacturing and construction, infilling can refer to the use of grout, foam, or other filler materials to seal gaps, improve insulation, or strengthen assemblies.