The Different Types of Fillings

What kind of filling do I have?

There are two types of fillings that your dentist may recommend when you have cavities:

An amalgam filling is the most common type for back teeth. It is a silver-colored material that is strong and can withstand the pressures of constant biting and chewing.

A composite filling it tooth-colored and is recommended for front teeth because it blends in with the tooth itself, making it cosmetically acceptable.

If there is not enough natural tooth to support a filling, your dentist may recommend a crown. A crown covers the tooth and is usually made of tooth-colored material or gold. Because it covers the tooth, it is sometimes referred to as a "cap." Often, a crown is recommended when there is new decay or fracture of a tooth that already has a very large filling.