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After decay is removed from
a tooth, something must be placed in that space to give
strength back to the tooth.
Fillings: Fillings are the most common restorative
procedure.
Inlays and onlays: In addition to fillings,
lab fabricated inlays and onlays are sometimes used.
Although many patients think of these as fillings as
well, they are actually different since they are laboratory
fabricated.
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White fillings: White fillings are always used
in our office. They are an attractive, durable 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. |
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White Porcelain or Resin inlay or onlay: A
porcelain or resin inlay or onlay is used when the
cavity is too big for
a filling, but isn't so big that a crown
is required. An inlay is a filling within the cusp
tips of the tooth. Onlays (also known as overlays)
will overlay one or more cusps in order to protect
and strengthen the tooth. |
| An inlay or onlay may also be made of gold. |
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