5 Types of Dental fillings, Which one is the best?

A common misconception about dental fillings is that they only fix cavities. The fact of the matter is that according to the American Association of Endodontists, dental fillings "can be used to repair broken or cracked teeth, as well as worn down teeth."

What are the different types of dental fillings?

Not all fillings are the same. There are many different types available today. It's best to let your dentist choose which one is best suited for the problem at hand. A good dentist will be happy to inform you of exactly what's going on concerning their work and answer any questions you might have concerning treatments or potential outcomes. To ensure you get the best results from your perfect solution, always trust a professional regarding dental issues!

Before you go for the treatment, it is best to know about the different dental fillings. Here are 3 different types of dental fillings you should know about: 

• Silver Amalgam Fillings

• Composite fillings

• Glass ionomer fillings

Silver Amalgam Dental Fillings

There are many dental fillings available today, but the most common and widely used is composite resin. It is made up of a mixture of some metals, such as mercury, tin, copper and silver. Not all composite fillings contain these ingredients, though; sometimes, they contain just one or two.

Silver amalgams have been around for decades. They are extremely durable and can even last over 10 years if a person takes good care of them. Not only that, they don't cause blood or saliva to affect the material - making it a long-lasting option.

However, amalgam fillings have some disadvantages, like all good things. Firstly, some people have complained that whitening their teeth with a metallic composite filling doesn't feel right aesthetically (especially if you're looking for something more modern). In addition, over time, these amalgam fillings themselves can stain, especially if you're not careful about proper aftercare! Finally, these silver-coloured composite fillings are also known to cause teeth sensitivity because your teeth get accustomed to it over time.

Finally, a major concern is that this process can weaken teeth. The removal of the tooth tissue during preparation for the filling can cause additional weakening in the remaining teeth.

Dentists do not favour dental fillings as they are known to erode over time and represent a greater risk when compared to other types of fillings. However, if the cavity has been caused by decay and must be filled immediately, composite is the filling material of choice as this type can harden within an hour.

Composite Dental Fillings

Composite fillings are made of silica, plastic, glass quartz, and other ceramic particles added to a resin base. The filling is bonded into the hollow space (after the cavity is removed and the tooth is prepared) and then hardened with a bright blue light which will enter your tooth to harden the composite material.

This is a popular choice of filling mainly because it matches the shade of your teeth, and in this type of filling when removing the decay and preparing for the filling, less tooth structure needs to be removed than amalgam fillings.

At the same time, you need to know that composite fillings don't last as long as other types of fillings. They need to be replaced every five years, or so, they tend to cost more than other materials, and they don't hold up as well over a long period.

Glass Ionomer Dental Fillings

Glass ionomer dental fillings are specific tooth filling mostly used when the patient is young. Unlike plastic fillings that protect areas of the tooth but not most others, glass ionomers work in all areas and protect against decay throughout time. In addition, they have fluoride inside, so they will also help provide much-needed protection from further decay over time.

Glass ionomers are significantly weaker than composite resin fillings because they tend to wear and tear easily. They also have a life span of fewer than 5 years, and they don't match the tooth colour as precisely as composite fillings (but composite are more expensive).

Taking care of your Dental Fillings

If you notice a piece of the filling is missing or there is a crack in the filling, inform your dentist and pursue further treatment.

If you are experiencing signs of cavities, do not neglect them. Instead, reach out to Gentle Dental for more information on Dental Filling Cost Nz and Filling Cost Nz how they can wreak havoc in your mouth.

Source URL: https://www.gentledental.co.nz/