Frequently Asked Questions

Fillings

Date Posted: 1/1/2002

Question What are fillings made of?

Answer Dental amalgams (silver fillings) are made from a silver/tin/copper alloy that is mixed with mercury. The alloy is in powder form prior to mixing with the mercury, which is liquid at room temperature. Dental composite (tooth coloured fillings) consist of a resin matrix with filler particles. The resin is the liquid component that hardens with time by chemical reaction. The filler particles are made from solid substances such as glass or pieces of set resin.

More questions in this category:

What is a filling?
Can all teeth with holes or fractures be filled?
Can fillings be repaired rather than replaced?
How are fillings done?
How do I know if I need a filling?
How long do fillings last?
Is it possible to avoid fillings?
Should baby teeth have fillings too?
What are fillings made of?