Dentist - Fairfax
3879 Plaza Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-691-9041

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Fillings are synthetic materials that are used to restore a portion of a tooth damaged by decay or traumatic injury. There are two basic types of fillings.

Fillings are synthetic materials that are used to restore a portion of a tooth damaged by decay or traumatic injury. There are two basic types of fillings.

The first is the conventional amalgam filling. These are the silver-colored material many people have had placed in their teeth following treatment of a cavity. Many amalgams are actually a combination of various metal alloys, including copper, tin, silver and mercury. Mercury, a binding agent used in amalgams, has come under scrutiny lately by some health officials who claim it may cause long-term health problems. Our office only rarely does amalgam fillings because they require removal of more tooth structure than composite fillings. They can cause small cracks in teeth because they expand and shrink with heat and cold at a different rate from natural teeth. Because they are silver-colored, they are also more noticeable in the mouth.

The second and preferred type of filling is the composite, or resin, filling. These are the tooth-colored materials that are used more commonly now to fill cavities. Composite fillings are resistant to wear. They can be bonded or cemented to the natural tooth, allowing the dentist to remove less of the tooth structure. Composite fillings mimic normal tooth color very well, but can discolor slightly with age. They are moderately priced, but more expensive than amalgam fillings.

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