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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.
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Silver (amalgam) fillings: Silver fillings have
been used reliably for many years. Typically, silver fillings
are placed on back teeth (molars). They are an economical
way of providing a lasting restoration for most cavities.
The material is specially formulated to withstand years
of chewing pressure. |
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White fillings: White fillings are an 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 fillings are most commonly used for:
- Cosmetic reasons
- Patients who prefer mercury-free fillings
- Patients with sensitivity
to heat or cold - the composite resin doesn't conduct
temperature changes as fast as silver or gold.
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White Porcelain inlay or onlay: A porcelain 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. |
| Gold inlay or onlay: An inlay
or onlay may also be made of gold. |
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