Two of the main filling materials used are amalgam and composite. Amalgam filings have been used for more than a hundred years, and consist of a blend of metals, including mercury. Composite fillings are plastic based, and rather than being a metallic silver colour, can be matched to the colour of your own teeth. They are both robust materials, and last well in the mouth.

Another significant difference between the two filling materials relates to the amount of tooth that needs to be cut away, and the circumstances in which they can be used: 

• Amalgam fillings do not adhere to the tooth, but rather require a hole shaped to retain them, such that when fully set, they cannot dislodge; that is, they require a mechanical hold upon the tooth in order to be successful. Unfortunately, this means that sometimes, additional tooth has to be cut away in order to create a cavity shape suitable for the filling.
• Composite fillings use a combination the same mechanical retention augmented by an advanced adhesive. We need only cut away decayed or untenable tooth structure, and then glue the composite filling over the top. This new era of minimally invasive dentistry is much less destructive of tooth, and is far preferable. Cutting tooth away not only weakens the overall tooth, but also causes irritation to the nerve within a tooth, neither of which are desirable!
• Because composites adhere to the tooth, they can also be used to repair or augment the front teeth (see Composite Bonding)

Many patients now prefer composite fillings due to the improved aesthetics and more conservative preparation of the tooth required. There are occasions where one filling material may be preferable over the other; we will always seek to advise you of the best option in any particular circumstance.

Heathwood Dental Practice

1 Kings Road, Crowthorne,

Berkshire. RG45 7BF

Tel. 01344776933