After decay is removed from a tooth, something must be placed in that space to give strength back to the tooth. Fillings are the most common restorative procedure. Fillings can be silver or white.

White fillings: White fillings are an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings. White fillings are made of a strong composite resin that is matched to the surrounding tooth color. In the past, white fillings were placed only on front teeth, but recently a stronger more durable material has been developed that can withstand the chewing pressure of back teeth.

White fillings are most commonly used for:

• Cosmetic reasons
• Patients who prefer mercury-free fillings
• Patients with sensitivity to heat or cold - the composite resin doesn't conduct temperature changes as fast.

Silver (amalgam) fillings: Silver fillings have been used reliably for many years. Typically, silver fillings are placed on back teeth (molars). Although not used as commonly as they once were, silver fillings are still used in certain situations since the material is specially formulated to withstand years of chewing pressure.