Fillings

Traditional dental restorations or fillings in the past were are most often made of silver amalgam.  Today, newer dental fillings include ceramic and resin compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, but they can also be used on the back teeth depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay.

What's right for me?

Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity and expense of dental restorations, including:

• The components used in the filling material
• The amount of tooth structure remaining
• Where and how the filling is placed
• The chewing load that the tooth will have to bear
• The length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth

Before your treatment begins, Dr. Bryan will discuss with you all of your options and help you choose the best filling for your particular case. In preparation for this discussion it may be helpful to understand the basic types of dental fillings — direct.

• Direct fillings are fillings placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include silver glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. The dentist prepares the tooth, places the filling, and adjusts it in one appointment.