Procedures - Fillings

Fillings

After decay is removed from a tooth, something must be placed in that space to give strength back to the tooth. Our office only uses mercury-free fillings.

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.

White fillings: White (mercury-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 back teeth.

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.

An inlay or onlay may also be made of gold.

© Copyright 2003- Dental WebSmith, Inc. and Michael M. Blicher, D.D.S. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.