Fillings may be needed if teeth are damaged by tooth decay (cavities). A filling can be silver amalgam or it can be tooth-colored composite resin.

Silver fillings are extremely durable and long-lasting. They can easily be placed even in teeth that cannot be kept dry during the filling appointment. A disadvantage is that silver fillings appear silvery when they are placed and often turn darker as they age.

Composite resin fillings (often called bonding) can also be durable and long-lasting. They look like real tooth structure and can be used even where appearance is critical. They are somewhat more time-consuming to place and can only be used in teeth that can be kept 100% dry during the filling process.

Here are some signs that you might want to come in and have your teeth checked for cavities:

- teeth that are sensitive to cold drinks

- teeth that are sensitive to sugar

- teeth with visible dark spots