Fillings

These fillings are custom-made in a laboratory and then cemented into place. While gold fillings are often the most expensive choice, many consider it to be the best filling material. Gold inlays are well tolerated by gum tissues and may last more than 20 years.

Made of silver, Amalgam fillings are a less expensive choice than gold but are stronger and stand up to more wear and tear. However, due to their dark color, they are more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not recommended for fillings in very visible areas such as in your front teeth.

Made of plastic resins, these fillings are custom-made to the exact color of your teeth, creating a more natural appearance. While these white fillings may be less noticeable than other materials, they usually only last between 3 and 10 years. They also may not be ideal for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco.

Also called inlays or onlays, these fillings are custom-made in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining and cost about the same as gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.

If decay or a fracture has damaged a large portion of the tooth, a crown or cap may be recommended. Decay that has reached the nerve may be treated through root canal therapy or through a procedure called pulp capping.