A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. By closing off spaces where bacteria can enter helps prevent further decay.

Your dentist will consider a number of factors when choosing which type of filling material is best for you. These factors include the extent of the repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed and the cost.

Silver Amalgam Fillings is the most widely known type of filling. It’s a popular choice for fillings among dentists because it’s strong, durable, and doesn’t cost a lot. Silver amalgam has disadvantages though. It’s not aesthetically pleasing, so it isn’t a good choice in a tooth that’s highly visible.

Composite fillings are made of a resin and plastic material that is placed into the cavity while it’s soft, then hardened with bright blue “curing” light. It’s a popular choice because it can be matched in color to the shade of a person’s existing teeth.

Ceramic Fillings are made of porcelain and are both durable and aesthetically attractive. Ceramic fillings are more expensive than other types, but they’re tooth-colored and more resistant to staining and abrasion than composite resin.

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations used by a select number of dentists. In certain cases, inlays and onlays are a conservative alternative to full coverage dental crowns. Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays offer a well-fitting, stronger, longer lasting reparative solution to tooth decay or similar damage. These restorations are beneficial from both an esthetic and functional point of view.