What are dental fillings?

Dental fillings are used to treat tooth decay. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the cavity is filled to prevent further decay. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as nail-biting or tooth grinding).

Dental fillings explained

A dental filling is used to repair a tooth that has decay, cracks, or other damage. The damaged part of the tooth is removed and the cavity is filled. Fillings can protect teeth from further damage and restore strength and function. They can also be used to repair broken or chipped teeth.

Our dentists will carefully match the color and shape of your filling so that it blends in with the rest of your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are popular because they are more discreet than silver fillings. If you have cracked or broken teeth, our dentist may recommend placing a crown over the tooth to ensure that it’s protected and functions properly. If you are interested in learning more about dental fillings, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us by calling our office today!

Author Bio: Dr. Anthony Giamberardino earned his dental degree from the Medical College of Virginia and has been practicing dentistry since 1991. He is dedicated to continuing education as a way to stay abreast of the latest technologies, techniques, and materials in dentistry. His favorite part about dentistry is getting to know his patients on a personal level and building lasting relationships with them and their families while providing them with the best dental care possible. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping, tennis, cycling, and skiing. He also loves spending time with his wife, two daughters, and the family dog. To learn more about our team at Comprehensive Dental Care, visit our website or call our friendly staff at (781) 602-9172. **Website:**

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Silver fillings explained

Dental fillings are also known as silver fillings, amalgam fillings, or tooth-colored fillings. A composite resin material can also be used for a white filling. These materials are bonded to the teeth to fill in gaps and holes in the teeth caused by decay or breakage.

While the earlier version of fillings contained mercury, today’s version are made of a composite resin material. There is no need to remove as much tooth structure to place a composite resin filling as is required with an amalgam filling. Composite resin is matched to the shade of your teeth to blend in with your smile. The material can be tinted to match the color of your natural teeth as well.

While white and silver fillings can both be used for cavities, they are not used in the same circumstances. When a dentist determines that a tooth needs a cavity treatment, they will review all options with the patient and consider their budget before recommending the best treatment.

If the tooth has lost a lot of its structure due to a large cavity, an inlay or onlay may be recommended. Inlays and onlays work similarly to fillings but are larger restorations that fit within the cusps of the tooth. Tooth-colored filings are used to fill smaller areas of damage on the tooth’s surface.

If a patient chooses to use a silver filling, they will need to have anesthesia for the procedure because removing all the decayed matter from the tooth requires drilling down the tooth until the healthy tissue is reached. The dentist will then place the filling into the prepared hole and seal it in place with a dental cement.

Dental amalgam fillings explained

This is one of the most popular types of fillings due to the durability of the material and low cost. The metal alloy that makes up the amalgam filling is a mixture of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Despite its seemingly toxic ingredients, there is no research to support that the small amount of mercury in this type of filling will negatively affect your overall health. In fact, according to the the FDA, this amount of mercury is not harmful in any way. This type of filling is extremely durable and usually lasts up to ten years before needing to be replaced.