TREATMENTS

Tooth Fillings

A dental restoration or dental filling is a restorative material used artificially to restore the function, integrity and morphology of missing tooth structure.  The structural loss typically results from caries or external trauma.  Dental restorations may be fabricated out of a variety of materials:

 

Dental Composites

Dental composites are also called tooth colored or white fillings.  Crowns can also be made in the laboratory from dental composites.   These materials are similiar to those used in direct fillings and are tooth colored.   Tooth-colored restorations create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable), but also add strength to weakened teeth.  These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding techniques.
 
 
Dental Amalgam
 
Dental Amalgam is a dental filling that has been used for over 150 years.  It is a mixture of mercury with at least one other metal.  Amalgam is used in dentistry for a number of 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.   
 
On average, most restorations serve for 10 or more years.  
 
 
The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs has concluded that both composite and amalgam materials are considered safe and effective for tooth restoration.