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Thornhill
Dental Surgery
Once the area of decay reaches the dentin, it has to be removed and filled. The diagram on the right shows teeth with restorative fillings placed. Types of restorative materials Composites - these tooth coloured restorations are made of a composite, or plastic-like material. They come in many different strengths depending upon which tooth and what surface the restoration is needed. For molars where the chewing surface is indicated, a very strong restoration must be used as this is where the bulk of the heavy chewing is done. For front teeth, composites which are better aesthetically, but not necessarily as strong can be used. Silver amalgams - still the strongest of the chairside restorations, these are usually used only on back teeth on the biting (occlusal) surfaces. These are the fillings that are talked about alot on the news as they do contain mercury. It should be noted, that the times that a patient is at risk of mercury exposure is when an amalgam is being placed, or when one is being removed. This is why your dentist will use the high speed water and evacuation to minimize the exposure. While they're in place, they are in stable form and not exposing the patient to merucry vapors. Most dentists will still use these on their own teeth when a filling is needed! Cast laboratory materials - this includes inlays, onlays, crowns and porcelain veneers in which a lab is needed to fabricate the restoration. Most inlays, onlays and crowns can be made of porcelain, silver or gold. Again, the material used depends upon the function and aesthetics needed or desired. |
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Decay usually starts in 2 major areas on teeth. 