Fillings

A “filling” is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, your dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.

There are a variety of filling materials available including gold, silver, plastic and porcelain. The dentist will work with you to determine which material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and cost. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:

• Composite (ceramic-filled plastic) resins are custom made to the exact color of your natural teeth, creating a more natural appearance. They may not be ideal for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They may also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco.
• Porcelain fillings are called inlays or onlays and are custom created in a lab or milled in office and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining, and are about the same cost as gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.

If a filling is not the right option, you may require a crown.