Dental fillings/ restorations

Fillings are special materials that your dentist places on your teeth to repair tooth decay (cavities) or defects on the tooth surface. Fillings (also called restorations) restore the tooth to form and function. Advances in dental materials and methods provide new, effective ways to restore teeth.

There are several different types of restorations, including direct and indirect restorations.

Direct restorations
These require a single visit to place a filling directly into a prepared cavity. Materials used for these fillings include:

Dental amalgam, also called silver fillings. Amalgam fillings have been used for decades. They have been tested for safety and resistance to wear. Dentists have found them safe, reliable, and effective.

Glass ionomer fillings. These are tooth-colored materials made from fine glass powders and acrylic acids. They are used in small fillings that don't have to withstand heavy pressure from chewing. They chemically bond to the mineral in the tooth.

Resin ionomer fillings. These are made from glass with acrylic acids and acrylic resin. Like the glass ionomers above, they chemically bond to the mineral in the tooth.

Composite (resin) fillings. These are the best-looking of the tooth-colored direct fillings. They are made from acrylic resin filled with tiny glass or quartz particles. They are not quite as strong or wear-resistant as amalgam. But they are stronger and more durable than glass ionomers and can be used on biting surfaces. They are bonded to the tooth.