The aim of conservative dentistry is to intercept problems early and to try and preserve as much tooth structure as possible. The sooner a problem is detected and treated, the more original tooth structure will be preserved. The longevity of a restoration is generally inversely proportional to its size - i.e. the bigger the restoration the less the amount of remaining tooth material and the sooner it is likely to fail.

A cavity is a “hole” in a tooth resulting from bacterial attack on the tooth structure. It is generally a result of poor oral hygiene or dietary habits. Once the enamel has been penetrated, it is a matter of time for the decay process to spread into the underlying dentine causing further structural damage. If not treated, the decay will eventually reach the nerve in the tooth causing the nerve to become infected and die off.

A “filling” is a material that is placed into the tooth once the decay has been removed. There are different materials available to restore a tooth to normal form and function A filling serves to limit the damage caused by cavities, preserve and protect the remaining tooth structure, allow the tooth to function properly again, maintain pulp and nerve vitality if possible, and preserve the function, appearance, and life of the tooth.

There are several options available today to restore a tooth, and this would depend on the extent of breakdown, patient requirements and expectations, cost and time.

Amalgam

Typically a silver filling is the lowest cost, requires the least “technique” on the dentist's part, and is covered by most insurance plans. However it is relatively visible (as it is silver), it weakens the tooth, and can require removal of some of the healthy tooth to make room for the material.

Composite

A White plastic resin based material that is bonded to the tooth and placed directly into the cavity. The advantage of white fillings is that because of the bonding, they tend to strengthen the remaining tooth structure. They also require less tooth removal and are therefore more conservative in its preparation.

The major disadvantage is that depending on their size, they will need to be replaced sooner.

Gold Inlays / Onlays

Gold Inlays / Onlays are fillings that are fabricated out of yellow gold in a laboratory, and are then cemented into the prepared tooth. They have a long lifespan and are still considered to be the ultimate treatment. Their disadvantages are their initial costs are higher than a regular filling, and their colour is unacceptable to some people.

Porcelain inlays / Onlays

Porcelain inlays / onlays are fillings made out of tooth coloured porcelain again in a laboratory. Their advantages are that they look like natural tooth structure, are bonded into place and strengthen remaining tooth structure. They are considerably more durable than white fillings.

Crowns

Crowns are gold or tooth coloured restorations that are made in a laboratory and cemented into place. They are used in cases of extensive tooth breakdown, or weak remaining tooth structure and are designed to cover the entire crown of the tooth.