The term 'Routine Restorations' is used to describe filling materials used to restore teeth that have had dental decay that is slight to moderate in nature. There is adequate remaining tooth structure to ensure the strength of the tooth, and the primary purpose of the restoration is to replace lost tooth substance.

Dental Amalgam
This is the material that most people refer to as “silver fillings”. This material has been used for literally hundreds of years, and still provides excellent protection for teeth in the right circumstances. It is made up of a group of base metals but over time corrodes, and eventually requires replacement.

Composite Resin
This material is commonly referred to as “bonding.” It is a large group of tooth colored restorations with a variety of similar materials. In some cases it is used in a strictly cosmetic way, but the vast majority of cases are done out of dental necessity. Most materials in this class are a mixture of plastic and glass particles and are therefore a “composite.” They come in a variety of colors that can closely match tooth coloration. In addition, with proper adhesion to the tooth, they provide some increase in the strength of the remaining tooth.

These materials are used whenever possible to meet your dental needs. Although there are limitations to their strength and esthetics, they are very useful under many circumstances. Your doctor will determine the appropriateness of their use, and make other suggestions to you if they are not adequate for your needs.