Fillings |
After decay is removed from a tooth, something must be placed in that space to give strength back to the tooth.
Fillings: Fillings are the most common restorative procedure.
Inlays and onlays: In addition to fillings, lab fabricated inlays and onlays are sometimes used. Although many patients think of these as fillings as well, they are actually different since they are laboratory fabricated.
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White fillings: White fillings are used almost all of the time in our office. They are an attractive, durable 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. |
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Silver (amalgam) fillings: Although white composite resin fillings are used almost exclusively by our office, there may be unique circumstances that call for a silver (amalgam) filling. Typically, silver fillings are placed on back teeth (molars). |
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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. |
An inlay or onlay may also be made of gold. |
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