RESTORATIVE MATERIAL USED

          Arizona statutes require dental practitioners to inform their patients (or parents/guardians) about the type of material to be used in a restoration and the reason that material is being used.  Generally, 3 types of materials are used in dental restorations; they are as follows.

Composite:  This is a tooth colored material.  Composite is used for esthetic and restorative reasons.  Composite is composed of several types of materials and is the material of choice for a front tooth or in a circumstance where esthetics may be a consideration.  It may be placed in posterior teeth.  The newer composite materials are strong and resist wear but not as well as normal tooth structure.  Composite placement in teeth is technique sensitive and therefore requires more chair time than amalgam restorations.  Composite has a useful life span of 5-7 years.

Amalgam:  This is also known as silver amalgam and is a silvery color.  Amalgam has been used in dentistry for over one hundred years.  Amalgam is composed of a mixture of metals such as silver, copper and tin, in addition to mercury, which chemically binds these components into a hard, stable and safe substance. Amalgam is not as esthetic as composite but may be placed in restorations where it is difficult to maintain a dry field.  Amalgam has a useful life span of 5-7 years. There have been some concerns about the safety of amalgam.  Amalgam has been studied and reviewed extensively, and has established a record of safety and effectiveness.

Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC):  Stainless steel crowns are the restoration of choice for a child’s tooth that is badly decayed or broken down or has had root canal therapy (pulpotomy or pulpectomy).  SSC’s cover the entire tooth and protect the tooth from breakage.  SSC’s are designed to last until the primary (baby) tooth is lost or, if placed on a permanent tooth, until the child has matured enough that a more permanent type of restoration (porcelain crown) can be placed.