If you are suffering from tooth decay, fillings may be right for you. The filling is a restoration used to make the lost part of a tooth re-contiguous with the surrounding area. Many different materials can be used to fill a cavity depending on your preference, location, and type of tooth.

Traditional fillings are often made of silver amalgam. This material is durable and can withstand the force of chewing and biting, and are especially useful for teeth located in the back of the mouth.

As opposed to silver amalgam, newer fillings resemble the appearance of natural teeth, and are made of ceramic and plastic compounds. While these can sometimes be used for the back teeth if tooth decay is minimal, there are more frequently used in the front teeth. The composite material typically lasts longer than other types, is less likely to cause sensitivity, and is the most aesthetic because it mimics enamel.

Crowns are a restorative procedure used to improve your tooth’s shape or to strengthen a tooth for broken, worn or partially decayed teeth. Crowns are made of metal or porcelain materials, and are cemented on an existing tooth like a cap. Once a crown is installed, it acts like the tooth’s new outer surface above the gum line. While both metal and porcelain crowns are great options, many patients prefer porcelain, as they are more discreet.  A patient is a good candidate for crowns or onlays (partial crowns) if their tooth cannot support a filling.