Fillings

What is a filling?

A filling is a repair done to a tooth either due to decay or a traumatic injury to restore the tooth to its natural function and appearance.  If the tooth needs to be repaired due to decay, the decay is removed first down to good solid tooth structure, then the filling is placed.  If the repair is due to trauma, the first step is to determine if a crown or a filling is more appropriate.  Once this is determined, and a filling is selected, then the tooth is repaired to its natural shape and color.

What type of fillings are available?

There are mainly two types of fillings, composite and amalgam.  Composite fillings are tooth colored and are “glued” in place.  They are made of tiny glass beads in a resin base, this is what gives them their color and strength.  This type of filling is always used on front teeth and often on back teeth.  Amalgam fillings, sometimes called silver fillings, are a mixture of four metals, silver/gray in color, and held in place with undercuts placed in the cavity prep.  This type of filling is used primarily on back teeth, especially when the tooth cannot be isolated from moisture, previous failures of composite fillings, or a high decay rate.  Dr. Parks is happy to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type with your specific circumstance and which would be best for you if necessary.

How long should they last?

It really depends on so many factors, it is hard to determine.  Circumstances that decrease the longevity of the repair are large fillings, people with high decay rates, the location of a filling, and detrimental habits.  Many times, a small filling on a person that doesn’t usually get cavities can last years upon years.

Composite filling material can also be used to create composite veneers.  This can be used like a porcelain veneer to close spaces, change the shape of teeth, and sometimes mask the color of a tooth.  The advantage of a composite veneer is often it is less invasive because the tooth requires minimal to no prepping and can be completely reversible.  However, they tend to not be as esthetic as porcelain veneers.  If interested in these options, Dr. Parks can guide you in the right direction.