Fillings
A filling is a way to restore a decayed and/or broken tooth back to its normal shape and function.
Fillings will help prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria might enter.
If you have a tooth that requires a filling, we will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material.
Composite resin fillings
Composite Resin Fillings are tooth-colored fillings that create a more natural appearance. They can be used on either front or back teeth and provide good durability and resistance to fracture. These white fillings are less noticeable than amalgam (silver) fillings.
Composite resin fillings usually last between 3 and 10 years. They may not be ideal for larger fillings as they may chip or wear over time.
Dental Amalgam
Dental Amalgam is a commonly used dental filling that has been used for over 150 years. Amalgam has many advantages over other restorative materials, such as low cost, strength, durability, and bacteriostatic effects.
Amalgam is used in dentistry for several reasons. It is relatively easy to use and manipulate during placement; it remains soft for a short time so it can be packed to fill any irregular volume, and then forms a hard compound. Amalgam possesses greater longevity than other direct restorative materials, such as composite. On average, most amalgam restorations serve for over 20 years. However, with recent improvements in composite material science and a better understanding of the technique-sensitivity of placement, it should be noted that this difference is decreasing.
There are many circumstances in which composite (white fillings) serves better than amalgam; when amalgam is not indicated, or when a more conservative preparation would be beneficial, composite is the recommended restorative material. These situations would include small occlusal restorations, in which amalgam would require the removal of a more sound tooth structure, as well as in “enamel sites beyond the height of contour.”
The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs has concluded that both amalgam and composite materials are considered safe and effective for tooth restoration.