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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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White fillings: White fillings are used
exclusively in our office. They are an attractive,
durable 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. |
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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. |
| An inlay or onlay may also be made of gold. |
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