Milan A. SeGall, DDS

 

Nano Composite fillings (Bonding) are the materials of choice for the simple restoration of most teeth. When properly placed this cosmetic material will look as though nothing ever happened.  They have the advantage of requiring a more "conservative" tooth preparation (e.g., less drilling required), and have a strengthening effect on the tooth. 

 

Porcelain is a non-crystalline glass composed of silicon and oxygen. It has the advantage of being highly aesthetic, and is the dental restoration of choice for people who place the highest value in the appearance of their teeth. .

 

Gold is sometimes used for dental fillings, most commonly as an inlay. Gold is not used in its pure form, but as an alloy. Gold is extremely durable; fairly aesthetic; does not damage the opposing tooth when biting; and is very well tolerated by the gums and other intra-oral tissues. A well-done gold filling can last two to four times longer than any other dental material, and might be considered the "gold standard" for dental fillings. Gold inlays, like porcelain inlays, take approximately two dental visits to complete. 

 

Amalgam fillings are relatively inexpensive, durable and time-tested. On the flip side, they are considered unaesthetic because they blacken over time and can give teeth a gray appearance, and they do not strengthen the tooth. Some people worry about the potential for mercury in dental amalgam to leak out and cause a wide variety of ailments. Composite, resin or white /bonded fillings have been around for about two decades. Composite/bonded fillings are composed of an organic and inorganic particles.