Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by admin
If you have a cavity in your tooth, your dentist will probably suggest getting a dental filling. In a dental filling, the decayed portion of the tooth is first removed, leaving a hole or a space. This space is then filled with material. While resin filling is the most commonly used, it is not your only option. Cosmetic dentistry in Coconut Creek offers various kinds of fillings. Nevertheless, all of them have some pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Types of Dental Fillings
Silver Amalgam Fillings.
Silver fillings are the most widely used dental fillings. Silver amalgam consists of 50% silver, zinc, copper, tin, and 50% mercury. Dentists often prefer silver filling over other materials as it is more durable, strong, and cost-effective.
Additionally, filling a tooth with silver fillings is relatively more convenient than other materials. The filling gets easily fitted into the cavity, and there are no concerns of it being contaminated by blood or saliva. Therefore, the dentist does not have to worry about keeping the cavity clean or dry during the installation.
However, there are a few disadvantages.
- It is not aesthetically pleasing, especially for a visible tooth filling.
- They tend to discolor.
- Cracks and fractures may occur in the tooth due to a broader degree of expansion.
- Some may be allergic to mercury.
Gold.
As we can all understand from the name, gold fillings are the most expensive of all. However, they are the most durable ones. Gold fillings are the strongest dental filling material type and can last up to 20 years. Gold fillings, because of their expensive price tag, are not as common among patients. Moreover, it is not easy to find a dentist who will offer gold as an option.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Additional visits to the dentist
- Poor aesthetics
Ceramic fillings.
Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain. They are long-lasting as well as aesthetically pleasing as they can match the color of your tooth. They have better resistance to staining and abrasion than composite resins. Although they are a bit expensive, you do get what you pay for as they have an expected lifespan of 15 years.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- It is brittle; therefore, more space is needed for the filling
- Multiple visits to the dentist
Glass Ionomer Fillings.
These fillers are made of glass and acrylic. They are most commonly used in younger children. They release fluoride, which shields the tooth from further decay. Previously, glass ionomer fillings only lasted for a handful of years; however, now, they can last almost as much as composite resins.
Disadvantages:
- It does not match the color of the tooth as precisely as resin fillings
- Not appropriate for large cavities
- Weaker material and prone to wear and tear
