What Is A Filling?

A filling is a restorative procedure to repair a cavity. The tooth is numbed, and the filling material is placed in the hole to stop the decay from spreading further. If the tooth has a large restoration, then a crown may be placed on top of the tooth to further protect it.

Composite Filling

A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed or broken teeth. Unlike other restorative materials, composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth making for a discreet restoration. Composite fillings are also suitable for use on multiple surfaces throughout your mouth.

Silver Amalgam Filling

An amalgam filling is a metal alloy comprised of mercury, tin, copper, and zinc. This type of filling has been used for decades due to its affordability and durability. Amalgam fillings require less tooth structure to be removed than other materials. With amalgam fillings, patients typically experience little to no sensitivity. However, many patients would prefer to avoid amalgam material due to it containing mercury. (Mercury is toxic to humans in large quantities.)

Silver amalgam dental fillings are a type of metal-based tooth restoration that can withstand high chewing forces. Composed of liquid mercury, silver amalgam is made of two materials—silver and tin alloy. These metals form a strong bond when mixed together. Mercury bonds to the silver in the amalgam through a process called amalgamation. The dentist will shape the amalgam into a smooth paste and then apply it to your tooth. Amalgam fillings last between five and fifteen years. Because of their strength, they are often placed on back teeth where they need to bear the brunt of heavy chewing activity.