Cavities form after plaque bacteria use sugar and starch to break down enamel. Left untreated, cavities become larger and cause several unsightly and painful problems. Dental fillings (restorations) are used to prevent tooth decay from worsening.

Amalgam

Amalgam fillings are a safe, affordable and durable material used to restore teeth that have cavities. Amalgam contains a mixture of metals such as silver, copper and tin. A small amount of mercury chemically binds these components into a hard, stable yet safe substance that has been used for more than 150 years to help millions of Americans.

Amalgam has an indisputable safety record and has been extensively reviewed. The U.S. Public Health Service issued a report stating that there is no health reason not to use amalgam, except in the extremely rare case of the patient who is allergic to a component of amalgam.

This supports the findings of the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health Technology Assessment Conference and the National Institutes of Dental Research, that dental amalgam is a safe and effective restorative material. In addition, Consumer Reports noted that "given their solid track record...amalgam fillings are still your best bet." In 150 years of use, dental literature has documented only 100 cases of allergic reactions to amalgam.

Composite

Another restoration option is a composite filling. Composite fillings can be placed directly into the tooth or indirectly using a model of your teeth. They are durable, resistant to fracture and often match the color of your tooth exactly. A composite restoration may be best for you if moisture can be controlled while it is being placed, and you have some natural enamel left to "stick to". Composites can be "bonded" within a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative, tooth-colored repair of the tooth.

Caps and Crowns

A cap is an older term for a crown but they mean the same thing. A crown or a cap cover a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size. It can support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't enough tooth left to attach a bridge. A crown or cap can protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that's already broken. It is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped and can be made of all metal or a ceramic product to match your own teeth.