Restorations

A restoration or filling is a treatment used to replace part of a tooth lost to decay or trauma. If a cavity is not treated and filled it can potentially spread to the nerve which then could require root canal therapy.

Materials used for restorations include:

• Amalgam: a silver coloured material that has been used for many years
• Composite resin: an aesthetically pleasing tooth coloured material that provides good durability and are the ideal choice for most patients. It can be bonded to teeth to further protect enamel or hide deep discolouration.
• Dental gold
• Porcelain

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are restorations made of porcelain, making them stronger than composite fillings. Inlays are fillings in the middle or inside the tooth and does not include the edges of the tooth. Onlays however are fillings that are used to replace the majority and larger portions of the tooth with a strong material. They cover the cavity and the edges (cusp).

You may require inlays or onlays if:

• Your tooth is in a high stress area – mostly premolars and molars
• There is a part of the tooth structure missing, chipped, cracked or decayed
• Your tooth structure has been worn down due to decay or previous weaker fillings

Materials used for inlays and onlays include gold, porcelain or composite resin, however, gold and porcelain are a more permanent and long-term option.