What Type of Dental Fillings Are There?
Dental fillings are materials usually inserted into the tooth cavity to repair damages such as cracks and holes often resulting from trauma and tooth cavities. Filling materials commonly used for filling restorations are ceramics, composites, gold, silver, and glass ionomer. A dentist near you will inspect your damaged tooth and decide which filling material best suits your dental needs. In most cases, they will recommend the strongest for your posterior teeth and the most natural-looking for your front teeth.
Types of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings come in many different varieties. We thus found it necessary to help you familiarize yourself with all of them so you can make an informed decision.
Gold
Gold is one of the most popular filling materials. Your dentist will likely recommend gold fillings if you are looking to restore your posterior teeth. The strength and durability provided by gold means you won’t have to worry about damaging the fillings when chewing on hard food. However, it’s important to note that even though gold fillings are tough and durable (they can last for up to 15 years), you need to take good care of them so they don’t wear out early. So, avoid using your fillings for unnecessary things such as opening bottle tops.
The main disadvantage of gold fillings is that they are costly and won’t blend in with your natural teeth.
Silver Amalgam
Silver amalgam is one of the most inexpensive filling materials you can opt for. Unlike the name suggests, silver fillings are not entirely made from silver but rather consist of a mixture of other metals such as zinc, copper, mercury, and tin. Mixing of different metals works in favor of amalgam fillings since it makes them more robust and durable. In addition, when properly fitted, silver amalgams can last for more than 12 years before they need to be replaced.
Some people are wary of using silver amalgams, sighting the danger posed by mercury. However, there is no evidence that proves that the mercury contained in silver amalgams poses health risks; otherwise, it would have been labeled unsafe.
Composite
Composite resin is another popular restoration material, and you can find it in other tooth restoration procedures apart from dental fillings. The popularity of composite material is owed to it being easy to customize to blend with the natural teeth in its surroundings.
Since composite is weaker than other filling materials, we primarily use it to restore front teeth for aesthetic purposes.
Ceramic
Ceramics or porcelain fillings are tooth fillings that combine strength with aesthetics. Compared to composite, ceramic fillings can handle more pressure and are more durable. They also provide more resistance to stains and abrasions but will cost more to acquire and will require preparations before being fitted. Your dentist will shade the fillings to match your natural teeth, so you won’t have to be self-conscious about them.
Glass Ionomers
You may not have heard of glass ionomer fillings before. The reason for that is that glass ionomer fillings are not very popular, mainly because it is fragile and less durable compared to other filling materials. However, they are an excellent choice for children as they release fluoride, which helps prevent tooth cavities.
Advantages of getting dental fillings
Repairs Fractured Teeth
Accidents, injuries, and dental carries can damage your teeth. If that unfortunately happens, it’s only a matter of time before you have a dental emergency that requires the damaged tooth to be extracted. Ensure you get dental fillings in Bayport, NY, to repair your damaged tooth and prevent future dental emergencies.
Offers Protection From Decay
Despite the progress made in dental technology, dental carries still remain a major cause of tooth loss. So, when you start noticing tiny holes in your teeth or experience prolonged dental pain, ensure you visit a dental clinic near you as soon as possible for treatment. We can use dental fillings to feel the tiny holes in your teeth and protect the tooth from more damage.
Improves Your Smile
Your smile is one of the most noticeable features you poses. Because of this, maintaining a healthy smile throughout your life may be essential to staying attractive. During a dental visit, a dentist may use dental fillings to repair your teeth and leave them looking healthy and beautiful.
Conclusion
Don’t wait for your dental problems to become more severe and expensive to treat before you finally decide to seek treatment. You can easily avoid tooth loss and other dental emergencies by getting dental fillings. Visit Bayport Dental Care today for dental fillings and other tooth restoration procedures. We always ensure our patients are comfortable during and before administering treatment.