After decay is removed from a tooth, something must be placed in that space to give strength back to the tooth.

Fillings: Fillings are the most common restorative procedure. Our office uses only mercury-free white fillings. White fillings are made of a strong composite resin that is matched to the surrounding tooth color. In the past, white fillings were placed only on front teeth, but recently a stronger more durable material has been developed that can withstand the chewing pressure of back teeth.

White fillings are preferable because:

• Cosmetic reasons
• Patients often prefer mercury-free fillings
• Patients with sensitivity to heat or cold prefer non-metal fillings - the composite resin doesn't conduct temperature changes as fast as silver or gold.

White Resin inlay or onlay: A resin inlay or onlay is a laboratory fabricated piece that is used when the cavity is too big for a white resin filling, but isn't so big that a crown is required. An inlay is a filling within the cusp tips of the tooth. Onlays (also known as overlays) will overlay one or more cusps in order to protect and strengthen the tooth.