Dental fillings are a form of treatment used to repair small teeth breakages, destroyed teeth or teeth surfaces that are damaged. There are three kind of materials generally used in dental fillings, composite, porcelain and silver amalgam. Composite dental fillings are made from a combination of glass and resin, which provides good life. Amalgam dental fillings have been in use by dentists for more than 100 years; these fillings are long lasting, can be used easily and are the most tested material. These materials are used to smooth the surface of the teeth so that the patient can chew and bite better. Teeth can become sensitive due to tooth decay and the loss of enamel. This sensitivity will be reduced or eliminated once the dental filling has been implanted. Due to excessive tooth decay, dental fillings may not be the ultimate cure. The tooth may require other dental procedures such as dental crowns, implants or a root canal.

During a routine dental visit the dentist will examine the patient’s teeth, gum and jaws. If there are damaged teeth, they will be marked by the dentist. Once this is done, the teeth and surrounding area will be cleaned and prepped for surgery. The decayed or damaged portions of the tooth are removed with the help of a laser to clean the area of bacteria. When one is getting a composite filling done, the dentist will have to isolate the tooth. This isolation is necessary as it will prevent moisture from destroying the bonding process. Today most people choose to get their older silver amalgam fillings replaced by composite fillings.

People choose composite dental fillings over amalgam dental fillings because composite fillings do not contain mercury or other metals that may lead to sensitive teeth. Composite dental fillings have a reputation of not lasting, but with advancements in the composite materials, these fillings can be used for all teeth including molars. In the case of composite dental fillings, the dentist does not have to prepare the teeth as much as in amalgam fillings. Less preparation will probably save the teeth from damage although amalgam fillings have a reputation of lasting longer than composite dental fillings.

In order for composite dental fillings to be successful they require a dentist that is skillful, which is not always the case with amalgam fillings. Composite dental fillings require the dentist to use equipment like lasers, this pushes up the cost of composite dental fillings and not all dental insurance companies cover these extra costs.