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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 available in gold and white porcelain or resin. Although many patients think
of these as fillings as well, they are actually different since
they are laboratory fabricated.
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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.
White fillings are most commonly used for:
- Cosmetic reasons
- Patients who prefer mercury-free fillings
- Patients with sensitivity to heat or cold - the composite resin doesn't conduct temperature changes as fast as silver or gold.
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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. |
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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. |
| Gold inlay or onlay: A gold inlay or onlay is used when the cavity is too big for a silver 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. |
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