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Fillings

Used to prevent the spread of tooth decay or correct any cosmetic damage, a filling is just one of the ways our dentists preserve your health. We offer local anesthesia to ensure maximum comfort for our patients. There are three different types of fillings: amalgam (otherwise known as silver fillings), composite resin, the color of which can be customized to match your natural teeth, and glass ionomer, a tooth colored material that releases fluoride into the cavity preparation over time, making it ideal for cavities on the roots of teeth.

Amalgam

Made up of silver, copper, mercury, and tin, amalgam fillings are the most durable and economical option for our patients. They last up to ten years and are less likely to fall out or break. Commonly used for filling in molar cavities, amalgam fillings can withstand biting pressure and can be fully administered in a single visit. Despite the mercury content, these silver fillings are perfectly safe for anyone aged six and up.

Composite Resin

Since the color of a composite resin filling can be customized, it is the most aesthetically pleasing option. However, it is more expensive and not as strong as an amalgam filling. Composite resin is ideal for repairing chipped or cracked teeth, filling in a tooth gap, correcting dental discoloration, protecting any exposed tooth root from gum recession, or changing the shape of teeth. Patients may also choose composite resin for cavity fillings as they are bonded to the teeth in layers and therefore require less drilling away of the natural tooth.

Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer is tooth colored, but it is not as esthetic as composite resin, However, it requires less removal of tooth structure to place than either amalgam or composite resin. Glass ionomer releases fluoride over time, helping to prevent cavities around the filling. It is an ideal material for restoring cavities on the root surfaces of teeth - a common problem in senior citizens.