What are
fillings?
Teeth that have been affected by tooth decay (caries or
cavities) require a filling. There are many different
types of fillings, including:
- dental
amalgams
Dental amalgams, also known as silver fillings,
are comprised of a mixture of mercury (45 to 50
percent), and an alloy of silver, tin, and copper
(50 to 55 percent). When it is combined with
other materials in dental amalgam, mercury's
chemical nature changes and it is no longer
considered harmful to the body.
- composite
resins
Also know as white fillings, a composite resin is
a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass
(silicon dioxide) that is used primarily for
cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing
the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured
teeth.
Other alternatives
to restoring damaged or decayed teeth:
- porcelain
veneers - a ceramic material is bonded
to the front of teeth to change the tooth's
color, size, and/or shape
- crown
- a "cap" that covers a cracked or
broken tooth, unfixed by a filling, to
approximate its normal size and shape
- cast gold
restorations - this type of restoration
is often more costly and may require more than
one dental fitting
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