Fillings
Fillings are often used to restore teeth that have cavities in order to prevent the spread of tooth decay or correct cosmetic damage such as chipping. Before placement, any decay is removed. We offer local anesthesia along with anxiolysis, if requested, to ensure maximum comfort for our patients. There are two different types of fillings: amalgam (otherwise known as silver fillings) and composite resin, which are tooth colored fillings. In our office, we no longer place amalgam restorations and exclusively place bonded composite resin restorations.
Composite Resin
Since the color of a composite resin filling can be customized, it is the most aesthetically pleasing option. Composite resin is ideal for repairing chipped or cracked teeth, correcting dental discoloration, protecting any exposed tooth root from gum recession, or changing the shape of teeth. Composite resin restorations are generally less invasive than traditional amalgam fillings as they are bonded to the teeth in layers and therefore require less drilling away of the natural tooth.