Amalgam and composite restorations
When a tooth is broken or has a decay, we need to rebuild the missing tooth structure. The treatment is completed in a single appointment and will help restore the chewing function and aesthetics. Currently, two materials are commonly used: amalgam and composite resins.
Amalgam restoration
Amalgam
Amalgam restorations have existed for over a century. It is made of an alloy of silver (50 to 70%), tin, copper and mercury. Although it may be aesthetically unpleasing, the amalgam is known to be very resistant to wearing, provides excellent durability and has a lower cost compared to other materials.
Left: the decay has been removed, leaving the remaining tooth structure with in an important cavity. Right: the molar has been restored with a composite resin (commonly known as white filling) matching the original shade.
Composite resin
Created more recently, they were initially used to restore anterior (front) teeth only. Indeed, thanks to a variety of available shades, composite resins can match the color of the tooth. But nowadays, with progress and research, there are numerous wear-resistant composites that are created to help restore most posterior teeth as well. Using composite resins for back teeth is a technique-sensitive procedure (for instance, the operative field must be dry) requires slightly more treatment time.