Tooth 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 a tooth filling, 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.
White fillings: White (metal-free) fillings are an alternative to silver (mercury 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 a stronger, more durable material has been developed that can withstand the chewing pressure of the back teeth as well.
White fillings are often preferable because:
- Many patients prefer mercury-free fillings
- Cosmetic reasons
- Patients with sensitivity to heat or cold find metal-free fillings to be more comfortable.
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.
For more information, please visit the CDA Website:
http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/procedures/fillings/
