After decay is removed from a tooth, something must be placed in that space to give strength back to the tooth. Our office uses only Mercury-free restorations.
Fillings: Fillings are the most common restorative procedure. We use only white composite resin fillings to ensure the safest, most natural result.
Inlays and onlays: In addition to fillings,
lab fabricated inlays and onlays are available in gold
and white porcelain or resin. Although many patients
think of these as fillings as well, they are actually
different since they are laboratory fabricated.
White
fillings: White fillings are an 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.
White fillings are most commonly used for:
- Cosmetic reasons
- Patients who prefer mercury-free fillings
- Patients with sensitivity to heat or cold - the composite resin doesn't conduct temperature changes as fast as silver or gold.
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.
Gold
inlay or onlay: A gold 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.