Composite or Amalgam Fillings

A filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by dental caries (decay), chips, fractures, as well as to close spaces between teeth.  The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed by drilling and then filled with a restorative material.
 
There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Composite fillings (tooth colored), along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today.  Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the shade of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or on more visible areas of the mouth.