1. When carried out with care resin restorations can provide a number of advantages over metal:
   
   • They are bonded to the tooth structure potentially increasing the integrity of the remaining tooth structure over metal fillings which merely sit within the tooth cavity.
   • Bonding the resin provides a seal which prevents sensitivity after the anaesthetic wears off. Nearly all metal fillings are sensitive initially, relying instead on the metal "corroding" to provide a seal.
   • If a seal is not provided initially then there is more chance of bacteria gaining access under the filling resulting in abscess formation and the need for further treatment.
   • When a tooth with a large resin restoration needs a full coverage crown, the filling can be left in place and the tooth shaped for fitting of the crown. With metal fillings it is generally necessary to replace the filling first often necessitating an extra appointment.
   • Resin fillings look much better than metal.
     
     
     

   Direct placement of composite resin restorations under dental dam isolation
   Before	After

   
   
   

2. While the current research does not prove that the metal filings cause any harm, they do contain mercury (one of the most toxic materials know to man) which would suggest it logical in avoiding their use if possible. This not only protects the patient from mercury contamination but also the surgery staff.
   
   

3. Cost - If all the criteria of an ideal restoration are to be met:
   • Similar shape to the missing tooth structure
   • Stabilisation of the bite position
   • Easy to floss and look after
   • No material overhang or gaps to create food packing
   • Totally painless and comfortable procedure
     
   Then the time required and the cost are the same, regardless of the material.
   
   
4. Nearly all patients when questioned preferred this option.

The placement of a resin restoration is much more technique sensitive than traditional metal. The placement procedure therefore has to be adhered to exactly if long term success is to be ensured. These restorations cannot be placed in a hurry and saliva contamination of the tooth surface prevents successful bonding.

These are advantages that tie in with our belief in total patient comfort and control. Every appointment is scheduled for the time required taking into consideration each patients requirements (similar procedures may take different lengths of time for different people). We try and exceed all previous comfort levels by using a dental dam for all procedures at the back of the mouth.

Dental Dam

A thin, highly flexible, piece of latex rubber, which has holes punched in it. It is stretched over the teeth being worked on and held taught by a plastic frame. If never experienced before it can be enough to change your whole opinion of dentistry to the easy and relaxing experience it should be. Initially it may feel a little strange, after a minute or two however it becomes very comfortable as it takes on the shape of your mouth and very gently retracts your tongue and cheeks for a perfect operating field, allowing for the provision of ideal restorations. This technique also prevents you from having to swallow any water or old filling material, there is no debris left in your mouth at the end of the procedure. It also helps dissociate you from the work being carried out. Nearly every patient treated in this way has expressed a preference for this over conventional techniques. It is not unusual during longer procedures, such as root canal therapy, for patients to fall asleep.

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