Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are the most common tooth restoration procedure performed across the country.  When tooth decay (a cavity) is found in tooth enamel, the decay needs to be removed as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading and becoming larger.  Untreated decay can progress deeper into the tooth and lead to an infection in the surrounding tissues. 

When the decay is removed, the resulting hole or defect is “filled” with a special dental material to seal the tooth and restore it to its original shape.  The material suggested for the filling will depend on the placement in the mouth and patient preference. 

Fillings are a relatively painless and simple procedure.  The area around the tooth is numbed with an anesthetic to prevent any discomfort.  Most patients return to their normal routine once they leave the dentist's office. 

The materials available range from luxurious to practical.  Gold fillings are available if the patient desires.  Gold is very strong and can last from 10 to 15 years on average, but is expensive, as you could imagine. 

Silver amalgam makes a great filling for the back teeth.  Although most patients do not want the silver color on their front teeth, the back teeth endure a lot of chewing force, and the silver fillings can stand up to that pressure.  In the back of the mouth, the silver color is not as noticeable. 

 Porcelain fillings are popular for front teeth as they are easily color-matched to the rest of the teeth, stain-resistant, and very strong.  Their strength makes them a good choice for back teeth also. 

Composite resin fillings are the most economical.  They are also easily color-matched and require less tooth enamel to be removed before application.  A composite resin filling can be used to fix chipped or worn-down teeth.