Amalgam, Composite & Beyond
A dental filling restores a damaged tooth back to its normal function and prevents further decay by eliminating the opening where bacteria can enter. There are options when choosing the material to fill a cavity. The most common types of fillings are amalgam and composite.
Types of Fillings
- Amalgam
- Composite
- Metal: Gold or silver
- Ceramic
- Glass lonomer
Composite fillings give patients the option for a strong durable tooth colored material to repair a tooth affected by decay or fractures. They are made from a mixtures of plastic and fine glass particles to match the natural tooth color. Composites are most often used on the visible parts of the teeth because they are more cosmetically appealing than traditional amalgam fillings which are silver in color.
Composite fillings are complete all in one visit. First the tooth is cleaned and the decay is removed. Then your dental team will fill the tooth, creating a natural looking seal. In addition, you can chew on composite fillings the same day as treatment.
