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Dental fillings are metal amalgams or composite resins used to fill a cavity.
Today, several dental filling materials are available. Teeth can be filled with
gold; porcelain; silver amalgam; or tooth-colored, plastic and glass materials
called composite resin fillings. The location and extent of the decay, cost of
filling material, patients' insurance coverage and your dentist's recommendation
assist in determining the type of filling that will best address your needs.
Amalgam fillings
The most common and strongest filling material is amalgam. It is a silver
filling that is usually placed on the rear molars, which endure more stress
during chewing. The biggest reason amalgam has lost favor is a health concern
due to its 50% mercury content. Although the American Dental Association has
pronounced amalgam safe in the quantity and composition of amalgam, some
patients and dentists are disturbed by various reports of illness in relation to
the mercury in amalgam fillings.
Composite fillings
Composite fillings, often called white fillings, are made of a plastic resin and
finely ground glass. They must be applied to the tooth surface in thin layers.
Dentists try to match the color of composites with neighboring teeth for a more
natural look, making the filling appear invisible. Composite resin fillings
often are made smaller than amalgam fillings and require less tooth preparation,
thereby saving more natural tooth surface.
Although composite resins have become stronger and more resistant to wear, it's
not clear whether they are strong enough to last as long as amalgam fillings
under the pressure of chewing. They also can be stained from drinking coffee and
tea. Large composite fillings tend to wear out sooner than amalgam fillings.
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