Obturation: fillings for tooth decay

It is the most commonly used material in operative dentistry and has been used for over 150 years. It is silver in color and contains an alloy of mercury, silver, copper and tin. It is used to repair teeth damaged by decay, cracks or fractures. It is not very aesthetically pleasing because of its dark color, but it is very durable and has economic advantages. It is used more in posterior teeth.

There is some controversy surrounding amalgam due to the presence of mercury in its composition and, therefore, its possible toxicity, but nothing definitive has been established. Moreover, it is important to know that the mercury contained in amalgam is enclosed in its structure. Although quantities of mercury vapor can be released from the filling during chewing, these doses are minimal and much lower than those contained in some foods such as fish.

Commonly known as "white filling", this material consists of a resin paste containing particles of quartz, silica and zirconium. It is polymerizable, that is, it hardens with light. It has the advantage of being aesthetically pleasing, since there are a multitude of tones available to the dentist to imitate the color of the tooth to perfection. A natural effect is guaranteed.

On the other hand, composites are sometimes not recommended for large fillings, as they are more fragile than other materials and do not last as long. This type of restoration is used in anterior and posterior teeth.

A very recent and innovative material, it is presented as powder and mixed with a liquid to form a paste and fill the cavity of the lesion. It has the advantage of allowing aesthetic "tooth-coloured" restorations or reconstitutions, but also of having a good seal and a strong adhesion to the enamel.