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.
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White fillings: White fillings are used
most of the time in our office. They are an attractive,
durable 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. |
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Silver (amalgam) fillings: Although white
composite resin fillings are used most of the time
by our office, there may be circumstances that call
for a silver (amalgam) filling. Typically, silver
fillings are placed on back teeth (molars). |
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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. |
An inlay or onlay may also be made of gold. |
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