Dental Fillings

   Dental fillings, also called silver fillings or, simply, "fillings", are the material used to restore lost tooth structure, such as when decayed portions of a tooth are removed. The most common amalgam fillings consist of a pliable alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and other metals. This alloy is easy for dentists to use, and once the amalgams harden they are very durable and relatively inexpensive.

Traditional amalgam fillings may look conspicuous due to their contrast with the natural color of the teeth. In addition, the mercury content of amalgam fillings has occasionally been the subject of concern over possible health risks, although numerous studies to date have not found evidence of health problems related to amalgam fillings, except in the rare cases of mercury allergy.

New composite resin fillings were created as an alternative to traditional metal dental fillings. They are tooth-colored, require less tooth removal than amalgam fillings, and are durable enough to strengthen a tooth beyond the level it would have with amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings can easily be removed and replaced with more attractive tooth-colored fillings. With a composite filling, your cosmetic dentist can also preserve more of the natural tooth structure as the composite resin can be bonded to the tooth in thin layers: it is similar to the material used in tooth bonding. As the composite filling is built up, a bright dental light is used to harden each layer before the next is applied. Once the filling is completed, your cosmetic dentist uses special articulating paper to adjust the height of the filling and make sure that your bite is correct. Finally, the tooth is polished.

Besides composite resin, which is a mixture of plastic and inorganic filling materials, other alternatives to amalgam fillings include gold alloy and porcelain (ceramic) inlays. Inlays may be used in cases where over half of a molar's biting surface is decayed but a dental crown is not necessary. They are made in a laboratory and are cemented into place. New dental filling materials made of ceramic mixtures continue to appear on the market, and your cosmetic dentist can discuss which options are most appropriate for you.