by Lisa Fillers

Created on: January 23, 2009

Patients who do not practice good oral hygiene develop tooth decay from decomposing food particles and the resulting plaque which builds up on the teeth. Acid found in fruits, fruit juices, some vegetables, and all soft drinks, sugars found in food and beverages, and decaying food particles begin to eat away at the tooth enamel. As the protective enamel weakens, holes form in the enamel and allow the acids, sugars, and decaying food particles to eat their way further into the tooth. The result of this is caries, which is a cavity or hole in the tooth.

There are two types of fillings mainly used in cavities, amalgam and composite. The location of the cavity greatly determines which type of filling is used. Dental amalgam is that familiar silver colored filling and it is a stable metal alloy which combines elemental mercury, silver, tin and copper. Dental amalgam is very durable and resistant to wear. It is also less expensive than gold or composite fillings.

Composite fillings are made of plastics and are white, making them much less noticeable in the patient's mouth. The material comes in a range of colors so the dentist is usually able to match your tooth color. The most commonly used composite filling is made of a composite quartz resin and contains a light sensitive agent. The resin remains pliable while the dentist is working with it. After he or she has completed their work to their satisfaction, the dentist will use a small gun like device which shines an intense light on the composite filling and instantly hardens the material. The usual length of time required to cure each layer of the filling is forty seconds. The patient can eat immediately following a composite filling. Some composite material is considered to be hard enough to withstand the force of chewing on the back teeth.

In general, composite fillings are used to fill cavities located between teeth, on front teeth, on any tooth visible when smiling, and on any tooth readily visible when talking. Amalgam fillings are generally recommended for back teeth. Patients with composite fillings to do not experience the heat and cold sensitivity associated with metal alloy fillings.

Some patients are opting for removal of all old fillings to be replaced with composite fillings for cosmetic reasons. I saw several cases of this during the years I worked in the dental field. Unless the dentist can justify the replacement of a filling, though, dental insurance usually will not cover the new filling. Many companies

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