Tooth Fillings

RESTORATION OF DENTAL DECAY

The objectives of restorative treatment are to repair or limit the damage from dental decay, protect and preserve tooth structure, re-establish adequate function, restore esthetics where applicable, and provide ease in maintaining good oral hygiene. The restoration of primary teeth differs from the restoration of permanent teeth due in part to the shape of the teeth.

Today, there are a wide variety of materials available to restore teeth. They are, however, not all appropriate for every situation. The proper choice of a restorative material may depend upon the developmental status of the dentition, how cavity prone the child is, the patient’s oral hygiene, the likelihood of timely recall visits and the child’s ability to cooperate for treatment.

Some of the materials used in restoring teeth include pit and fissure sealants, resin-based composites (white), stainless steel crowns, bridges and removable appliances. Esthetics and the improved tooth-color restorative materials have led to a decrease in the use of dental amalgam.