After decay is removed from
a tooth, something must be placed in that space to give
strength back to the tooth.
Fillings: Fillings are the most common restorative
procedure.
Inlays and onlays: In addition to fillings,
lab fabricated inlays and onlays are sometimes used.
Although many patients think of these as fillings as
well, they are actually different since they are laboratory
fabricated.
White fillings: White fillings are an
alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings. White
fillings are made of a strong composite resin
that is matched to the surrounding tooth color.
In the past, white fillings were placed only on
front teeth, but recently a stronger more durable
material has been developed that can withstand
the chewing pressure of back teeth.
Patients with sensitivity
to heat or cold - the composite resin doesn't
conduct temperature changes as fast as silver
or gold.
Silver (amalgam) fillings: Silver fillings
have been used reliably for many years. Typically,
silver fillings are placed on back teeth (molars).
They are an economical way of providing a lasting
restoration for most cavities.
The material is specially formulated to withstand
years of chewing pressure.
White Porcelain or Resin inlay or onlay: A
porcelain or resin inlay or onlay is used when the
cavity is too big for
a filling, but isn't so big that a crown
is required. An inlay is a filling within the cusp
tips of the tooth. Onlays (also known as overlays)
will overlay one or more cusps in order to protect
and strengthen the tooth.
