Fillings

There are two different types of dental fillings.  One type is called an amalgam filling, also known as a silver filling.  The other type of filling is called a composite filling, also known as a tooth-colored filling.  We strive to detect decay at the earliest stage through exposing radiographs and routine exams to prevent our clients from having a larger issue.  If a client refuses to have a cavity filled, they must understand that left untreated, it can turn into a root canal and crown, or the tooth may need taken out if the decay has extended too far. 

Here are the differences between the two fillings:

Amalgam (silver) fillings

• Do not bond to tooth structure.  Think of these fillings as a wedge that plugs the area where the decay was.  The tooth structure can be weakened.

• Requires more removal of tooth structure to get it to stay in the tooth.

• Used on back teeth, especially when it’s difficult to keep a back tooth dry during the appointment.

• Less costly

Composite bonded (tooth-colored) fillings

• Bond to the tooth structure.  The tooth structure is stronger.

• Better for larger fillings

• Requires less removal of tooth structure.

• Can be used on front and back teeth if able to keep a back tooth extremely dry during the appointment.

• More costly