Filling

A dental filling is a type of restorative material that is placed in the cavity which forms as a result of decay or damage to a tooth. It also fills up any area where there has been loss of enamel due to teeth grinding, etc. The purpose of a filling is to restore the form and function of a tooth by returning it back to normal shape and size as well as providing protection from further damage from outside forces.

Silver amalgam fillings are composed mostly of mercury, silver, copper and tin along with other components such as palladium or indium depending on availability. In terms of strength, durability and longevity they rank higher than other types but lower than gold alloys used for crowns. Thus, their use should be limited to posterior teeth and deep notches and recesses.