Restorative Materials and Procedures

Restorative Materials and Procedures

1. Amalgam - basically a mixture of silver and mercury; the American and Canadian Dental Associations regard this material as entirely safe, durable, and cost effective; the least expensive material and technique available to fill cavities.

2. Composite resin - the directly placed tooth colored composite resin is bonded into position and is primarily used in areas of esthetic concern such as the front teeth or in conservative sites in the posterior teeth.

3. Laboratory fabricated tooth colored inlay or onlay - an indirectly bonded tooth colored restoration that has been made in the laboratory to ensure much more durability, strength, and longevity than the directly placed composite resins.

4. Gold inlays or onlays - used to restore areas of decay in the posterior teeth; extremely durable, strong and wear resistant.

5. Porcelain veneers - used to modify the shape and shade of front teeth and to offer strength and protection as well; a conservative tooth preparation is required.

6. Porcelain crowns - used to protect and to strengthen already heavily filled teeth; the final shape and shade of the tooth can be enhanced with the porcelain crowns; used when esthetics is a primary concern.

7. Gold crowns - also used to protect and to strengthen already heavily filled teeth when esthetics is not a primary concern; less tooth reduction is required than with porcelain crowns, wears the same as enamel (porcelain may wear enamel); will never break (porcelain may fracture); highly compatible with oral fluids and tissues.

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