Fillings

Resin “White” Fillings

Composite resin or “tooth colored” fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure. They are chemically bonded and can therefore be used in some instances where amalgam fillings cannot. They do not require a specific depth of material so allow for more conservative prepping in some circumstances. They do require a completely dry environment which in same cases may prove difficult.

Amalgam “Silver” Fillings

Amalgam fillings (made from an alloy of metals) provide good durability and can be used in areas where moisture control is difficult to achieve. It has widely been studied due to it’s content of trace amounts of mercury. The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs prepared a comprehensive literature review on amalgam safety and reaffirmed at it’s July 2009 meeting that “the scientific evidence supports its valuable, viable, and safe choice for dental patients”

What’s right for your child?

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

*Please ask your dentist if you would like to know which material they feel is best for your child’s tooth. Each instance may be different.