Types of Dental Fillings

A decaying tooth requires dental restoration. The dentist cleans out the decayed region, leaving a cavity or hole in the tooth. After that, they use a dental filling to smooth out the tooth surface and restore its natural appearance.

Filling cavities in the teeth can be performed with a variety of materials, including the following:

• Silver amalgam
• Composite
• Ceramic
• Glass ionomers
• Gold

Though dentists can use any of these materials to repair cavities in teeth, certain fillings are more suitable for some situations. When deciding which material is right for you, consider the location of the cavity in your mouth, the degree of the decay, the expense, and your health insurance.

Let’s look at the many dental filling types which are used in dental restoration.

Silver Amalgam Fillings

It is one of the most popular tooth filling types. Silver amalgam includes several different minerals, including tin, zinc, copper, and mercury, in addition to silver. It’s a popular approach since it is durable, long-lasting, and less costly than other choices. A standard silver amalgam filling can last for up to 12 years.

The molar teeth are the ones that get the most use when eating, and amalgam fillings can endure these forces to give a long-lasting, effective cavity treatment. It also hardens fast, which is favorable if the filling is needed on a difficult-to-reach tooth or for a kid.

Composite Fillings

Plastic and resin are used to make composite fillings. It is placed into the softened tooth and hardened with a strong curing light. It’s a popular choice since it can be tinted to match the color of the patient’s natural teeth, making it less noticeable than a silver amalgam filling.

Having said that, these fillings do not last as long as other forms. They can last anywhere between five and ten years before needing to be replaced.

Ceramic Fillings

They are composed of porcelain, which is both durable and visually appealing. Ceramic fillings are more expensive than composite resin. However, they are tooth-colored fillings and handle stains and abrasion better.

The ceramic has the downside of being more brittle than composite, so it should be placed on larger cavities to avoid breakage. To fit the additional bulk, the dentist can widen the area.

This material has a lifespan of more than 15 years and can be as costly as gold.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass and acrylic are often used to make this filling. It is most commonly used on kids whose teeth are still developing. Fluoride is released into the tooth to prevent it from further damage. However, because they are weaker than composite resin and are prone to cracking and wear, they only last a few years. Regular glass ionomer does not have the same natural appearance as composite resin.

Glass ionomer has a five-year or less lifespan and costs about the same as composite resin. The most recent ones have an even longer life expectancy and, when used properly, are similar to composites.

Gold Filling

Gold fillings are highly durable, non-corrosive, and can last up to 15 years if handled appropriately. However, they are substantially more expensive than silver amalgam and necessitate more than one dental visit to fit properly. However, if the cost of dental filling is not an issue, you can opt for this type because of its durability.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, the procedure is carried out to repair a tooth’s decaying region. It’s also used to treat the fractured or broken teeth and the depleted or weakened teeth.

The type of dental filling used is a mutual choice between you and your dentist. They are the ideal person to consult when you want to decide which material to use for the treatment. So, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away if you have any queries regarding these types of fillings.

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