After decay is removed from a tooth, something must be placed in that space to give strength back to the tooth. Our office only uses metal-free fillings.

White fillings: White (metal-free) fillings are an alternative to silver (mercury 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 a stronger, more durable material has been developed that can withstand the chewing pressure of back teeth.

White fillings are often preferrable because:

• Many patients prefer mercury-free fillings
• Cosmetic reasons
• Patients with sensitivity to heat or cold find metal-free fillings to be more comfortable.

White Resin inlay or onlay: A resin inlay or onlay is used when the cavity is too big for a white resin filling, but isn't so big that a crown is required. An inlay is a filling within the cusp tips of the tooth. Onlays (also known as overlays) will overlay one or more cusps in order to protect and strengthen the tooth.