Teeth, unfortunately do decay and break,
so they are restored to function in various ways.
For small areas of decay, restorations are placed with composite resin
or silver-mercury amalgam fillings. When the decay involves a large
portion of the tooth, the dentist will recommend a crown or some other
type of laboratory prepared restoration.
Composite Fillings: Composites are
made of resin and glass. They are tooth colored, and will bond well
to the enamel of the tooth – less well to the dentin. They are
esthetic, and often used in the areas of the mouth that can be seen.
They are difficult – sometimes impossible - to place in areas where
saliva or bleeding of gum tissue do not let the tooth structure stay
absolutely dry when they are being placed.
Amalgams: Amalgam fillings are made
of about 55% silver and 45% mercury. They are the standard “silver
filling” that dentistry has used in back (posterior) teeth for
many years. They have the longest longevity of any filling according
to insurance companies. Though the new composites are prettier, there
are places where this filling will be adequate when the composite won’t
work. Almost all dentists, the ADA (American Dental Association), The
CDA (California Dental Association) and even Consumers Reports believe
that the fillings are perfectly safe, but recent press has pointed up
the fact that mercury is toxic – it is as a liquid. In the tooth
it is an amalgamation (mixture of) silver and mercury. Convey any concerns
about your treatment to your dentist.
Bases and Liners: When fillings
are deep, the dentist may place a base or liner under the restoration
to protect the nerve. These materials are sedative to the nerve that
has been insulted by the decay, grinding and placement of a filling.
They are done to try to prevent endodontic therapy.
Inlays and Onlays: These restorations
cover a greater part of the tooth than the composite and amalgam fillings
do. They are prepared in the laboratory and may be made out of gold,
porcelain, or laboratory processed composites.
Veneers: A veneer is designed for
esthetics to cover some defect, usually on the front – facial –
side of the front teeth. They are usually made in a lab of processed
porcelain. Sometimes they are made of composite, but the esthetics usually
won’t be quite as nice as the porcelain.
