After decay is removed from a tooth, something must be placed in that space to give strength back to the tooth. Fillings are the most common restorative procedure. Fillings can be silver or white.

Silver (amalgam) fillings: Silver fillings have been used reliably for many years. Typically, silver fillings are placed on back teeth (molars). They are an economical way of providing a lasting restoration for most cavities. The material is specially formulated to withstand years of chewing pressure.

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White fillings: White fillings are an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings. White fillings are made of a strong composite resin that is matched to the surrounding tooth color. In the past, white fillings were placed only on front teeth, but recently a stronger more durable material has been developed that can withstand the chewing pressure of back teeth.

White fillings are most commonly used for:

• Cosmetic reasons
• Patients who prefer mercury-free fillings
• Patients with sensitivity to heat or cold - the composite resin doesn't conduct temperature changes as fast