A restoration, commonly known as a filling, replaces part of a tooth lost to decay or trauma.
There are several types of materials that may be used to restore teeth:
- Amalgam, a silver-coloured material that has been in use for many years
- Composite resin, an aesthetically pleasing tooth-coloured material composed of filler particles in a plastic base
- Dental gold
Gold and porcelain are stronger materials that are used for inlays and onlays, which are able to be used when a significant portion of the tooth is missing. They must be made outside the mouth by a lab and cement into place at a subsequent appointment