Fillings are the packing material used to fill the cavities in teeth made by decay. When you have a cavity, there is a hole inside a tooth that needs to have the damaged pulp removed, cleansed and filled so that it can be restored to its normal function and shape. A filling will also close the portal where bacteria is entering the tooth.
There are multiple forms of dental materials used for fillings. The kind you might receive depends on aspects of your own teeth that your dentist will consider with you. These types include gold, porcelain, composite resin (for matching tooth color), and an amalgam (made up of mercury, silver, copper, tin and/or zinc).
Filling Types:
Amalgam fillings are the least expensive of the bunch and near impossible to wear. They are conspicuous due to their dark coloration, so they are regularly secreted away in the back teeth where they are mainly invisible.
Composite resin fillings are used when matching the natural color of your actual teeth is the goal. So, they are placed on the most visible teeth, usually front facing. The problem of composite resin fillings is that they can stain and wear down quickly compared to the other types of fillings.
Dr. Rosendo Garza would be pleased to answer your questions regarding fillings. If you fear you have a cavity that needs a filling, please contact Golden West Dental Clinic at: 909-421-8787, or drop by in Rialto, California.