Posterior Composite (White) Fillings Versus Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Composite fillings are resin-based, tooth-colored materials used to restore defects in the structure of teeth.  Composites for back teeth were first introduced in the 1970's and have been increasing in popularity ever since.  Composites offer many advantages over the more traditional silver-mercury metal fillings.


Composites can be placed in conservative tooth preparations resulting in preservation of the tooth strength by conserving healthy tooth structure.  The use of adhesive technology to bond the composite in the crown of the tooth can replace some of the lost tooth strength due to tooth decay or fracture.  The bonded composite restoration, unlike an amalgam, is sealed against leakage which prevents new tooth decay and sensitivity or damage to the deeper pulp tissue resulting in nerve sensitivity or damage requiring a root canal procedure.  Composites are tooth-colored, and can be virtually invisible when properly placed.  Finally, composites contain no mercury which is a health and environmental concern.

However, composites are more difficult and time-consuming to place.  Moisture control is critical to the integrity and longevity of the adhesive bond and the completed composite restoration.  At Adult Dentistry of Rochester, Dr. Dulski has exclusively placed composite restorations as an alternative to amalgam fillings for the last 10 years.  To learn if a composite restoration is the preferred treatment for your next filling, visit us at http://www.dulski.com/amalgams.html.

Tags: Tooth-Colored Fillings, Amalgam Fillings, Composite Fillings