Are There Options for Dental Filling Material?

You may know what a dental fillings is because of a cavity or two that you had before. It is either the enamel was damaged or infection reached your tooth’s pulp. Either situation would result in the covering of your tooth’s damaged areas. Choosing which dental filling to use can be nerve-racking. The advances in dentistry have produced many types of dental fillings for every purpose, budget, and preference. To help you decide which one suits you, here are some of your available options.

Composite fillings

Most dental patients want to get composite fillings. This type of dental filling is difficult to see because it blends well with natural teeth. Because composite resin fillings are not obvious, dentists can use these restorations on the front and sides of teeth. The ability of these fillings to bond with natural teeth also contributes to its invisibility. These fillings can even make the tooth stronger and more resistant to damage. With proper care and maintenance, these fillings can last for at least a decade.

Amalgam dental fillings

A mixture of silver, tin, mercury, and copper makes an amalgam filling. Although called silver fillings, amalgam is made up of 50% mercury. Dentists have been using this type of filling for at least 150 years. An amalgam filling lasts long and does not cost much. However, this filling is not invisible. It can even discolor the tooth over time.

Many people have worries when using amalgam fillings. The high percentage of mercury inside it poses a concern to those who already have them. These patients are thinking about the ailments that could spring from having mercury seeping into the bloodstream. Outdated amalgam fillings are not part of dental filling treatments anymore. This type of filling now has a better color with more biocompatibility.

Glass ionomer fillings

A glass ionomer filling is made of a glass component, fluoroaluminosilicate, and acrylic. This type of filling is for inlay fillings, root decay, and fillings in the front part of the teeth. Dentists also use this filling on milk teeth. Glass ionomer fillings are weaker than composite resin fillings. Dentists do not use these fillings on chewing surfaces. These restorations only last for about five years.

Ceramic dental fillings

These restorations have a high aesthetic value. This type of ceramic fillings takes two dental appointments to complete. Although ceramic dental fillings are more pleasing to the eye, these restorations are more brittle than composite fillings. These rare fillings do not bond well to natural teeth and tend to weaken teeth, as well.

Gold fillings

These restorations are made of gold. Some people do not like having sparkling gold in their teeth. The dentist uses a lost-wax technique to cast the gold. The patient should go to the clinic two times. The first appointment is to temporize the tooth. The second one to place the inlay or filling.

You can choose from a variety of dental fillings with modern dentistry

Your dentist will assess the decay of your tooth first. Then, you and your dentist will talk about the choices of fillings that you have for the size of decay. Composite resin seems to be the most popular type of filling. It is durable and invisible because it can bond and blend well with the natural teeth in your mouth. The right choice of dental filling can bring back your smile and dental health at the same time.

Are you considering getting a dental filling in the Phoenix area? Get more information at https://familydentistphoenix.com.