Dental fillings restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal shape and function, and are a vital aspect of your overall oral health. Traditional dental restoratives, or tooth fillings, are most often made of silver amalgam.
The strength and durability of this traditional dental material makes it useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, often in the back of the mouth.
Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, but they can also be used on the back teeth depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay.
There are two different kinds of fillings: direct and indirect. Direct fillings are fillings placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include silver amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, and veneers. They are used when a tooth has too much damage to support a filling but not enough to necessitate a crown.
If you are interested in hearing more about our tooth filling treatments, please contact our Grand Rapids dentists at (616) 288-6134. At NorthPointe Family Dental, we want to make sure you are confident with your smile!