Once decay has taken hold in a tooth, it will continue to damage more and more of the tooth, becoming more painful until treated by a dentist. A filling repairs the damage caused by decay and stops any more bacteria from entering the tooth. Fillings can be made of several different materials and can be used to repair any tooth in the mouth.

Types of fillings

Composite fillings are a popular and natural-looking solution made of resin. Composite resin is soft and malleable so it can be shaped to fit the cavity. Blue light is then used on the composite to harden it. The finished result is very durable and is coloured to match natural teeth.

Amalgam fillings were the norm for many years but have fallen out of favour in recent years. Amalgam is a mix of metal alloys that are soft when being used to restore a cavity but harden once in place. Amalgam contains minute traces of mercury and this has turned many people away from the product. It's also a dark colour that stands out in stark contrast to the surrounding tooth.

Gold fillings are a long-lasting and durable alternative but are rarely used these days. The cost of a gold filling is generally higher than a silver amalgam and the colour doesn't match natural teeth.

Porcelain is used to make inlays restorations that are used when a large amount of tooth structure has been removed. Onlays and inlays retain a more natural tooth structure than a crown and will strengthen a weakened tooth. Modern technology has made it possible for these restorations to be manufactured in your dentist's surgery.