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 almost
all 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 almost exclusively
by our office, there may be unique 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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