Dental fillings may be used to restore teeth after damage has been caused by decay or physical trauma. Although mercury amalgam fillings were long the standard option offered by dentists, tooth-colored fillings are available to modern patients who want to preserve their looks after having their teeth repaired. A variety of other advantages are also associated with tooth-colored fillings, but both types of fillings offer vital restoration when it becomes necessary.
Dental fillings are recommended for repairing damage that is not extensive enough to warrant the use of inlays, onlays, crowns or extraction. By leaving more of the tooth structure intact.