Dental Fillings

Thanks to advances in modern dental materials and techniques, we have more ways than ever to create natural-looking, healthy smiles. When it comes to repairing missing, worn, damaged, or decayed teeth, you and your dentist have several excellent options.

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Used by dentists for more than a century, dental amalgam is the most thoroughly researched and tested restorative material available. It's durable, highly resistant to wear, and relatively inexpensive compared to other materials. For these reasons, it remains a valuable option for many patients.

Although some concern has been raised about amalgam's mercury content, the mercury combines with other metals to render it stable and safe for use in filling teeth. Amalgam continues to be a safe, commonly used restorative material.

Amalgam fillings are particularly useful for restoring molars in the back of the mouth, where chewing pressure is greatest. They're also ideal for areas where it's difficult to keep the tooth dry during placement, such as deep fillings below the gum line.

Disadvantages of amalgam include possible short-term sensitivity to hot or cold after placement, and the silver color is not as natural-looking as tooth-colored alternatives.

Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings

Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored restoration. These fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid-size cavities that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure.

Composite fillings blend beautifully with your natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for visible areas. They generally take a bit longer to place than amalgam fillings and require that the cavity be kept clean and dry during the procedure.

Disadvantages of composite fillings include higher cost, slightly less resistance to fracture in very large restorations, and a greater risk of long-term sensitivity compared to amalgam. They may also be subject to staining and discoloration over time.

Choosing the Right Filling for You

Several factors influence which filling material is best for each tooth, including:

• Your oral and general health
• The location and size of the cavity
• The chewing load the tooth will bear
• Your aesthetic preferences
• Your budget

After consulting with you and examining your tooth, our doctors will recommend the filling material that's best suited to your individual needs. We're here to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision about your care.