Restorative Dentistry

The placement of fillings in teeth is also known as restorative dentistry.  White fillings made of either composite resin or porcelain, are the modern alternatives to unsightly dark mercury fillings.  Developments in the properties of these materials have made this treatment reliable, strong, wear resistant and long lasting.  Back teeth that need restoration can now be completely rebuilt with the latest tooth colored materials.  These materials are bonded to existing tooth structures which, in essence, "glues the walls of the tooth together," strengthening the tooth.  There are many reasons for choosing these types of fillings, including concerns with the use of mercury in older style amalgam fillings, and of course the better aesthetic result.  In contrast, mercury silver fillings expand and contract in the tooth which can cause "leakage" of the filling, recurrent decay, and actual fracturing of the tooth.