When a tooth has decay - also known as a cavity - it must be managed as soon as possible to prevent spreading to the rest of the tooth. If the decay is still at a conservative size, it can often be treated with a tooth-colored, or composite, restoration.
Composite fillings come with many advantages. Numerous tooth-colored shades are available so that we may place a filling that most closely matches your natural tooth color. Unlike amalgam silver fillings, they are not visible in the mouth once placed and are therefore much more esthetic. Additionally, because they are bonded (in other words, "glued") they require less tooth removal to have proper retention, meaning your natural tooth structure is conserved as much as possible.
Composite fililngs are also mercury-free and completely safe. We do not place amalgam fillings in our office.