DEFINITION:

Dental fillings allow repairing lesions created by tooth decay. There are many fillings materials available. The choice of the ideal material depends on the location, extent of the cavity, cost of repair, and the dentist's recommendation. The two main types of dental fillings are:

•Silver fillings (i.e. amalgam) are a basic grey material that has been used to repair decayed teeth for a long time. It consists of a metallic alloy of silver, copper, tin, and mercury. Amalgam fillings can be unadvised by many dentists due to the content of mercury, a metal that can be toxic though it is present in a very small quantity in the alloy. Silver fillings, resistant to chewing forces, can last from 10 to 15 years. Though amalgams are usually the least expensive type of fillings, they can destroy a small portion of teeth matter and discolour a grayish tint on the teeth.

•White fillings (i.e. composite) Composites is a paste containing particles of quartz, silicate, and zirconium. They allow invisible restorations with their multitude of shades. They imply less destruction of teeth matter, with a solid bond to the tooth.

APPLICATIONS:

Dental fillings are employed to repair a tooth damage caused by tooth decay. It can give the tooth shape and function in case of worse damage or fracture.

SOURCES:     Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (www.wikipedia.org).

                            WebMD, better information, better health (www.webmd.com).