Restorative

Dental restorations include fillings, inlays, crowns and bridges. In recent years there has been a tremendous increase in the development of esthetic materials to include ceramic and plastic compounds. These materials mimic the appearance of natural teeth and are more esthetically pleasing where they will be visible. The more traditional materials include gold, base metal alloys and dental amalgam.

Amalgam is a silver and mercury alloy which is used to fill back teeth. It requires an aggressive tooth preparation to hold it in place and it may have more short term temperature sensitivity associated with it.

Composite resins are tooth colored fillings for front or back teeth. They require less tooth reduction and are bonded to the tooth surface. Composites are completely cured at placement and there is no need to wait to chew on them. Being nonmetallic, there is less temperature sensation. Composites are very technique sensitive, require more time to place and cost a little more than amalgams.

Gold and less precious alloys are used for inlays, crowns and bridges. A layer of porcelain can be placed on the surface to mask the metal appearance.

Cosmetic dentistry utilizes ceramic and some newer composites can be used for inlays, crowns, and some short span bridges.