Types of tooth fillings

As oral hygiene has improved in the world, the need for fillings has decreased. However, advances in medical technology have also improved, increasing the options for dental fillings and leaving patients with choices. Of course, if you have a cavity, you will get a filling; the question is, what material will your dentist use?  Dental fillings vary significantly in both complexity of the procedure and materials used. Some fillings are premade and placed directly placed into your cavity, while others are custom-crafted to fit in and around your prepared tooth. Fillings are available in a variety of materials, each of which has its own set of pros and cons.

Amalgam fillings are very common, having been in use for more than 150 years. Amalgam fillings are made of a mixture, or amalgam, of different types of metals, which usually include mercury, tin, copper, silver, or zinc. Amalgam fillings tend to be very strong and long-lasting, and they are also among the least-expensive options. However, amalgam fillings are silver in color and darken over time, which makes them visible and sometimes noticeable when you open your mouth, depending on the placement of the filling. Also, while the FDA has approved the level of mercury in amalgam fillings for people over age 6, some people prefer to not have mercury in their mouths. Composite fillings offer clear advantages over amalgam fillings. The first advantage is that they are made of a combination of acrylic resin and glass, which allows them to be tinted to match an individual’s teeth and makes them much less noticeable in the mouth. This has led to increased popularity for composite fillings, which are also relatively affordable. However, the material used to make composite fillings isn’t particularly durable, and the lifespan of a composite filling may therefore not be as long as other options. Some dentists prefer to use composite resin materials for small fillings or for teeth that don’t undergo a significant amount of pressure during chewing. Gold remains one of the most durable options for dental fillings, though it is also among the most expensive. It is also, clearly, visible when placed as a filling at or near the front of a person’s mouth. Porcelain fillings are also pricey, and they, like gold, require multiple dental visits for custom fitting and placement. They can be crafted to look almost exactly like your teeth, providing a natural look, but they are considerably more fragile than gold or other materials. Finally, dentists use resin or glass ionomer to place fillings in primary, or baby teeth, which undergo wear and tear but do not need to be particularly durable, as the teeth themselves are temporary. Some dentists also use resin or glass ionomer to fill teeth that don’t withstand as much pressure during chewing. As you can see, each filling material has its own set of benefits, and its own set of drawbacks, so be sure to talk to your dentist throughout the process to ensure that you’ve selected the material that’s right for you.

More information on Dental Fillings : Temporary Tooth Fillings