A Dental Filling is used to restore the form and function and the integrity of the tooth usually a two-part step. The first step involves the removal of decaying tooth matter, caused by cavities, or alternately, the removal of damaged tooth matter caused by injury. The dentist can choose form an array of different materials, to fill the removed portion of the tooth, which allows the person to have full function of that tooth. This procedure is called a direct filling.

An Indirect Filling is done in the dental laboratory. Indirect fillings (Inlays, Onlays or three quarter crowns can be made from different materials including gold, porcelain or composite).

Amalgam Fillings (Direct Filling)

Amalgam Fillings are made of a combination of metals including silver, tin, copper and mercury. Amalgam used with great success is extremely durable and able to withstand the grinding and chewing of your back teeth over long periods of time, it may not be suitable for some patients.

Tooth-Colored Fillings (Direct Filling)

Tooth-Colored Fillings to match the color of your teeth, making them a natural-looking alternative to amalgam fillings. They are often used in teeth that show when you smile or talk.

There are a few different types of tooth-colored filling materials. The most common are called composite and glass ionomer. They are soft and can be molded to the shape of a tooth before they harden.

Glass ionomers can release fluoride which prevents decay. They are mostly used for young children.

Inlays and Onlays (Indirect Fillings)

Inlays and Onlays are similar to fillings. An inlay is placed within the biting surface of the tooth while an onlay covers a larger area of the tooth. However, like crowns, they are made in a laboratory and then cemented to the tooth with special adhesive. This procedure requires usually two visits with you dentist..

Inlays and Onlays are made from different tooth colored materials are modern porcelains and modern composites  and of course gold. They are suitable for the grinding surfaces of the molar teeth.

After a dental filling procedure, some people may have a minor discomfort, once the novocaine wears off. Discomfort may actually derive more from the injection of the novocaine than from the actual dental procedure. Patients may be sent home with instructions for eating soft foods for the remainder of the day, and for avoiding very hot foods while the novocaine remains in effect. The following day, most people feel no discomfort, and can indulge in any food or drink they like.