There are many different types of materials used in dentistry to restore teeth after decay (cavity) has been removed.

Those include : Gold, Silver (amalgam), Composite (tooth colored) and Porcelain (also tooth colored) 

Gold fillings : 

While gold foil fillings are rarely used anymore, gold itself is still highly used in many ways. From a dental standpoint, if you don't mind the look of gold - it is an excellent restorative material that is actually the standard most other new materials are held against. Gold has great bio-compatiblity, adaptability and high strength. With care, gold restorations can last for many years. However, due to the high cost of gold verses other just as effective materials it is being used less. Gold does have many applications, it can be used in crowns (either for a full gold crown or under porcelain), inlays and onlays. Here at Old Hook Dental, while we (and most dentists these days) do not offer gold foil fillings, we offer a full line of gold and gold substrate restorations. 

Amalgam (Silver) fillings : 

Dental amalgam (also referred to as silver) fillings have been used for over 100 years in dentistry. While they are still used today, the popularity of them has been declining - mainly due to recent controversy. Currently at the time of writing this, there have been numerous studies done by the FDA and reports from the ADA deeming amalgam perfectly safe to use for dental purposes, despite the mercury content at the heart of the controversy. Millions of people have amalgam fillings and the possible harm from them is directed more towards the dentist than the patient. If we work with the material all day, every day, we are exposed to massive quantities of it. That being said, at Old Hook Dental, we do offer amalgam fillings but placement of them has been declining - not for the reasons stated above, but simply because most patients do not want them these days. Amalgam does have its benefits and place in dentistry. It can be used in areas where isolation required for other materials may not be possible, it is quick, affordable, has good long-term clinical performance and due to its corrosive property it can actually be self sealing and prevent bacterial leakage. 

Composite (Tooth colored fillings) : 

A composite (tooth colored) (also referred to as a bonded) filling is used to repair decay, cracks, chips, spaces, worn, discolored and fractured teeth.  Composite has the obvious advantage of high esthetics, in addition and unlike the options listed above, composite is chemically bonded to tooth structure on a molecular level allowing for a more conservative preparation that removes less tooth structure. The material is light cured with a special light, once it is placed and shaped it is hardened immediately and ready for use. That combined with the ability to blend different shades and advances made in strength of materials make composite an ideal dental restorative material, not only for anterior (front) teeth but back teeth as well. Being that they are highly esthetic, very durable, affordable and will last many years giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile; it has become the most widely used restorative material today.

At Old Hook Dental, we provide composite restorations as well as amalgam removal for failing amalgams, esthetic concerns or health concerns. 

Amalgam fillings replaced with composite:

INLAYS / ONLAYS:

An inlay/onlay is a custom laboratory made restoration that can be fabricated from a number of materials of choice. Those include composite, gold, tooth-colored porcelain or zirconia.  Porcelain inlays/onlays are the most popular because they closely resemble your natural tooth. Zirconia will also give a pleasing esthetic result with very high strength.
 
An onlay is sometimes also referred to as a partial crown and is similar to an inlay: the major difference between the two is determined by whether the defect in the tooth involves a chewing cusp surface of the tooth. Both of these restorations are considered a conservative approach for large defects (when compared to a full crown) when a tooth has been damaged by decay or trauma and highly used when the damage is large enough to not support a traditional filling, but not large enough to require a full crown. Porcelain inlays/onlays are made by a professional dental laboratory, will require two visits to complete and be permanently cemented onto your tooth. While it is a more expensive option than a filling, it is less expensive than a full crown and the results provide an ultra high quality appearance with excellent strength and durability. 

Porcelain Inlay and Onlays cast mounted:                                                         Gold Inlays

Inlays are an ideal alternative to conventional silver and composite fillings.

Onlays are a conservative alternative to full crowns as less tooth structure is removed in the preparation.

What does getting an inlay or onlay involve?

An inlay or onlay procedure usually requires two appointments.  Your first appointment will include preparation of the tooth by removing any decay and/or old filling material. Next the tooth will be shaped to properly seat the inlay/onlay. Once the preparation is complete a highly accurate impressions will be taken and sent to the lab to create your custom prosthesis; a temporary restoration will be fabricated the same day. On the second appointment we will remove the temporary restoration, clean the preparation site and the new inlay/onlay will be carefully cemented into place.  We will check your bite to make sure that it is comfortable and make any adjustments if necessary. At Old Hook Dental, we offer a full line of inlays and onlays to provide you with a full range of restorative options. 

Call to schedule your appointment with us at Old Hook Dental (201) 358-5005