What are tooth fillings made of?

Why fillings are needed

Decay can create a hole in enamel and weaken the tooth. Without appropriate care, damage may progress to pain, infection or tooth loss. A filling replaces lost structure to restore the tooth’s shape and function. It does not make the tooth immune to future decay.

During your examination, your dentist considers the size and location of the damage, remaining structure, bite, moisture control and appearance goals. Not every early mineral change needs a filling, and larger damage may require an onlay, crown or another approach.

Metal fillings: amalgam and gold

Amalgam is a long-standing restorative material made by combining mercury with other metals, commonly silver, tin and copper. It has been used for durable repairs, particularly in back teeth. Your health and the available alternatives should be part of material selection.

Gold restorations are made from gold alloys, usually as custom-fabricated inlays or onlays fitted to the tooth. They can tolerate chewing forces well, but their metallic colour is visible and laboratory work can increase the cost. No particular lifespan can be promised.

• Potential benefits: durability and resistance to chewing forces in suitable situations.
• Appearance: both are visibly metallic rather than tooth-coloured.
• Cost: amalgam may cost less than some alternatives, while custom gold restorations often cost more; request an individual estimate.
• Existing fillings: a dark appearance alone is not a reason to remove an intact restoration. Ask about clinical findings, risks and alternatives before replacement.

Composite resin: tooth-coloured and versatile

Composite combines a resin matrix with fine glass or ceramic filler particles. It can be matched to tooth shade and bonds to prepared tooth surfaces, making it useful for many direct fillings and selected chips or shape repairs.

Placement requires careful moisture control. Your dentist layers, shapes and hardens the material, then checks the contact with neighbouring teeth and your bite. Suitability depends on the extent of damage and the forces on the tooth.

• Potential benefits: a tooth-coloured appearance, bonding to tooth structure and versatility for many direct repairs.
• Limitations: composite can stain, wear or chip. Larger repairs and heavy biting forces may affect how well it performs.
• Maintenance: cleaning, bite habits and review visits matter. Repair or replacement may be needed over time.

Porcelain and other dental ceramics

Dental ceramic is a tooth-coloured restorative material, distinct from composite resin. Selected ceramic inlays and onlays are custom-made to fit the prepared tooth. They can reproduce aspects of enamel’s appearance and resist staining, but they are not appropriate for every cavity.

The original article described porcelain as glass and acrylic resin; these should not be confused. Composite is resin-based, while dental ceramics are a separate family of materials. Your dentist can identify the exact proposed material and how it is made.

• Potential benefits: a natural-looking shade and good stain resistance for a suitable restoration.
• Considerations: custom fabrication may cost more than a direct filling and may require more than one visit.
• Limitations: ceramic can fracture or chip, and the remaining tooth, bite and bonding conditions affect suitability.

Glass ionomer: another option for selected repairs

Glass ionomer is a glass-based dental cement that can release fluoride. It may have a role in selected repairs, including some areas near the gumline, depending on the tooth and treatment goal.

It is not interchangeable with composite or ceramic in every situation. Strength, wear, moisture conditions and the location of the cavity help determine whether it is a useful choice.

What to expect during a filling

The appointment begins with assessment, a discussion of the proposed material and consent. Local anaesthetic is used when appropriate. Your dentist addresses decay or damaged material, prepares the area and places or fits the restoration.

Tooth-coloured materials are selected and shaped to suit the tooth; metal restorations are also carefully contoured. Your bite is checked before you leave. A custom ceramic or gold restoration may require impressions or digital records and a separate fitting stage.

Continue brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth and attending recommended reviews. Call if sensitivity persists or worsens, or if biting feels painful or unusually high. Your dentist can assess the cause rather than asking you to simply wait indefinitely.

Common myths about fillings

• “All fillings contain mercury.” Only amalgam in this comparison contains mercury. Composite, glass ionomer, ceramic and gold alloy are different materials; ask about the exact composition if you have a concern.
• “White fillings are weak.” Tooth-coloured restorations can work well when the material and design suit the tooth. No colour or material is best for every repair.
• “Fillings last forever.” All restorations can wear, fracture or develop problems at their edges. Longevity varies with material, size, bite, hygiene and other factors.

Choosing the right material for your tooth

The decision is about more than colour. Ask what the tooth needs structurally, which options are available, what alternatives involve and how maintenance may differ. An existing restoration may need monitoring or repair rather than automatic replacement.

At Ethos Dental Studio in Walnut Grove, Langley, we explain suitable filling and restoration choices and provide an individual estimate. Call (604) 513-8282 to arrange an examination and discuss the approach that fits your needs.