The most commonly used dental material used in our practice is composite resin, the white filling material. The other filling materials are dental amalgam (silver) and glass ionomer (white).

Composite resin

Composite filling material uses adhesive technology and will bond directly onto the tooth surface. They are available in a variety of tooth coloured shades, so that they can be matched at the time of placement. Composites can be used for a variety of applications, including fillings in all teeth, rebuilding damaged teeth, masking irregularities and mild discolouration and altering the shape of teeth to close small gaps for example. The tooth needs to be kept totally dry whilst the glue and layers of composite are added and set, using a blue halogen light. By the end of the appointment, a great looking restoration is produced, which is bonded onto the tooth structure and is totally set and ready to use. Durability is good and ever improving with advances in technology. Whilst it may be used in all teeth, some difficult to reach teeth or those with cavities below the gum line are less likely to be suitable.

Dental amalgam

‘Silver fillings’ have been used for over 100 years, have an excellent track record for durability and can be used in wide variety of situations, although they don’t bond to the tooth. Many fillings present in back teeth are still amalgam. However its use in Europe is gradually being phased out and is no longer permitted for use in certain categories of patients. We may use this material very occasionally, when the use of composite resin would not be feasible, for example in a hard to reach back tooth where the cavity is well below the gum line.