Dental fillings restore a tooth to its original form and function. The structural loss typically results from caries or external trauma.
Dental restorations (fillings) may be fabricated out of a variety of materials.
Composite fillings (white) are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to with stand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam (silver).
Composites can also be “bonded” or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth. Composite fillings are considered superior to dental amalgam fillings and are more aesthetic.
Indirect restorations like crowns or onlays may be needed if more strength is desired in any situation.
For more information, please visit our dental office in Hickory, NC.