Fillings (restorations):

Tooth decay and Fillings:

Fillings are a type of dental restoration used to repair a tooth damaged by decay (caries). It is common for a tooth to have decay but not cause any sensitivity or discomfort. Teeth pain is like having chest pain when you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, if it hurts it might be too late (think crowns, root canal or extraction).

There are three types of filling materials in common use today: (Composite (White), Amalgam (silver) & Gold). Each has different preparation requirements. Here at Bannerwood you get three choices, Silver; White; or let me pick what is going to last you the longest.

-Composites: are a tooth colored resin which is light cured after placement. We match the color to your tooth's color.

-Amalgam: is a metallic gray, silver & mercury alloy which hardens or cures overtime after placement.  There have been concerns about mercury fillings, especially on the internet.  I let you the patient make an informed decision about amalgam:. 
- Here is the statement by the American Dental Association. 
- Here is the FDA statement. 
- Here are other organizations concerns about amalgam. 
- Here is the journal literature review.
- Here is the straight talk.

-Gold: Will be your best option. Here is link information about Gold, with examples.

The following are examples of the different fillings.

Composite Example #1: Decay in a tooth's deep grooves.

 

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Decay on the tooth. Decay removed Final Restoration

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Composite Example #2: Defective Filling with a cavity under the filling

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Decay on the tooth, with defective filling. Decay removed, almost to the nerve Final Restoration

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Composite Example #3:  Cavity in the grooves, shown with decay.

Composite Example #4:  Cavity in between teeth, only detected by x-rays.

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Cavity noted in the x-ray.   Decay in between. Decay removed, almost to the nerve Final Restoration

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Composite Example #5: Bonding & Root decay (caused by root exposure & Grinding)

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Generalized Root decay Decay Final Restorations

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Amalgam Example #1:  Cavity in between teeth, only detected by x-rays.

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Decay in the grooves (note dark stain). Decay on front of tooth Decay removed. Amalgam Filling Final Restoration: Not as good looking, but will last a long time.

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Cast Gold

Gold is strong, but forgiving:

Fragile areas of your natural tooth structure can be covered with gold to prevent fracture.  The gold itself will remain intact.

Defective silver filling, with a fracture

Gold is permanent:

Unlike some other types of restorations, gold does not wear away. You don't have to worry about it fracturing or chipping. In fact, a good gold restoration often lasts a lifetime.

There was a cavity on the back of the tooth extending to the root.

Gold is Natural:

Gold will not oxidize, or turn greenish gray, like many amalgam (sliver) fillings.  It does not stain surrounding teeth.  It complements the natural colors of teeth and tissues found in your mouth.  A well done gold restoration is truly beautiful.

Silver filling with a fracture on the back.

Same Filling, last tooth on the right.

Gold is pliable:  

It allows a dental technician and dentist to form a restoration that complements the natural form of you tooth. That's important because your natural bite plane remains intact, which reduces the chance of discomfort or fractured restorations.

Defective silver filling

Gold contributes to better health:

The margin, or area where the gold meets the natural tooth structure, is nearly imperceptible if handled properly.  that means that there's less chance of debris accumulating at or under the margin, which may result in tooth decay. 

Defective White fillings.

Gold is hygienic:

Because gold polishes so well, it results in a very smooth surface.  Restorations with a smooth surface are less likely to harbor plaque and other debris.

Gold is versatile:

When we speak of a "gold" restoration, we really mean gold alloy.  An alloy is a combination of different metals.  the dentist can chose from any number of alloys that offer the right properties for each patient.

Gold expands and contracts, just like your teeth do:

Some restorations, like amalgam, may expand more than the tooth resulting in tiny fractures or cracks.  That's not an issue with gold, as its expansion and contraction is similar to that of a tooth.