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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.
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. |
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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