Chances are that, sooner or later,you have a tooth that needs to be restored because of a cavity, or a fracture or because an  old filling has to be replaced. These are options that Dr. Rickard can offer you to restore your teeth. No single option is appropriate in every situation

 

 

Composite fillings chemically bond to your tooth structure. They are the most popular way to restore teeth because they are relatively inexpensive and can easily match the shape and color of your teeth in one visit. They are probably not as durable as silver or gold restarations unless they are small, however they are usually durable enough that you should feel comforable that you have chosen a strong, reliable restoration. Composite fillings are often the most conservative ways to treat a cavity because they may require the least amount of natural tooth removal. They may also place less stress on the teeth than gold or amalgam restorations.  Some dental benefit plans will only pay enough money to cover a less expensive amalgam filling when you choose cosmetic composite restorations for yout back teeth which might mean additional out-of-pocket cost to you.

 

Indirect composite inlays that are made over two visits using a dental lab have slightly better physical properties but  as expensive and time consuming as gold inlays without providing the extreme durability of gold inlays.

 

 

Amalgam is a durable inexpensive, silver colored metallic restoration that is easily placed and often lasts for decades. Amalgam is composed of about 50% mercury  plus a mixture of siilver, copper, tin, zinc and some small amounts of other metals. The presence of mercury has generated a great deal of controversy but the most reliable resurces have repeatedly declared it as safe. Amalgam changes it color to black over time which makes it unacceptable to many patients. Lately it has been regaining popularity because it is often the restoration that would cost the least to maintain over the life of the tooth.

 

 

 

Gold inlays can last in the mouth over 50 years with minimal changes. Gold expands,contracts and wears more like narural teeth than any other filling material. Gold is extremely smooth and clean. It attracts the less plaque and causes less inflammation than any other restorative material. However gold inlays are much more time consuming and expensive than white or silver fillings. Even though they are very stable they will need to be replaced if you get a cavity in another portion of the same tooth. Gold is the usually the best way to fill cavities between your back teeth if you don't mind the color or the extra time and cost.

 

 

Porcelain inlays are extremely cosmetic but are relatively unreliable in spite of being as expensive and time consuming as gold inlays. They are more stain resistant but less reliable than similar indirect composite inalys.

 

 

You may need a crown or onlay if there is not enough strong tooth structure left. Visit our crowns page for more information on crowns and inlays.