Small to medium sized cavities can often be treated with a filling. Most fillings are now done using a tooth-colored resin material, sometimes referred to as composites or filled resins. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture if the filling is not too large and the tooth does not withstand excessive chewing pressure. Compared to the silver (amalgam) fillings of the past, these modern fillings require less tooth structure to be removed resulting in a smaller filling and a healthier tooth.
For cavity prone individuals, Dr. Payne may recommend a special composite filling that releases fluoride to make the tooth more resistant to future decay.
