Until recently,
dentists filled and sealed cavities exclusively using
a silver and mercury amalgam. Unfortunately, these fillings
(or restorations) often weaken teeth due to the large
amount of the original tooth that has to be removed. Modern
dentistry has increasingly turned to composite fillings
as a strong, safe and more natural looking alternative.
Composite fillings utilize a soft white plastic substance
that includes a hardening agent.
Porcelain Composite Fillings
Replacing large fillings on
back teeth often require a stronger and properly contoured
restoration. These are called inlays or onlays depending
on their size. These restorations need to be custom-made
at an off-site dental lab and two visits may be required.
Once the dental office receives the custom inlay or onlay,
the patient returns to the dentist’s office, where
they are bonded into place. Onlays protect teeth similarly
as crowns but conserve more natural tooth structure. Onlays
should provide decades of service. Our office has performed
thousands of these procedures successfully.
