When your tooth has a cavity the dentist will access the decay, remove the decay and restore or fill the tooth to its original shape and size.

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are tooth colored fillings made of a resin material. Composite fillings are asthetic and look like natural tooth. When a dentist uses composite material less tooth structure needs to be removed during the cavity preparation because the material is bonded to the tooth. Composite fillings must be placed on a perfectly dry tooth.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are silver colored fillings. The material is made of a mixture of metals including mercury. Amalgam fillings are strong and can last a very long time. If it is difficult for the dentist to keep the tooth dry during the filling process, it may be necessary to use amalgam.