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Types of Dental Fillings

What are the Different Types of Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are one of the best treatments to avoid the impact caused by cavities on your dental health.  There are different types of dental fillings available out there. Before considering the dental fillings procedure, it is very crucial to understand the option that best suits you. So, having an insightful conversation with your dentist is important.

A dentist can analyze the best type of dental filling you require and accordingly treat your cavities or tooth decay in the best possible way. In the dental filling procedure, factors like the material used, size and dimension involved, overall cost, and more are crucial to consider. 

These are some of the most popular types of dental fillings you can opt for after having a one-to-one consultation with the dentist.

Read More: Why are Regular Dental Visits Important?

Composite Fillings:

What is a composite filling?

The ceramic and plastic alloys are used to make resin composite dental fillings. These fillings blend right in because resin carries the appearance of natural teeth. They’re called “white fillings” or “tooth-coloured fillings” 

Because of their durability and natural appearance, composite dental fillings are among the most popular ones used by dentists. Most people strive for white, bright smile fillings similar in appearance to their natural teeth. Composite fillings stand for all of these desires. They are made up of a mixture of plastic resin and finely ground glass like particles to create a tooth-coloured restoration that bonds to the tooth structure for added protection.

My Gentle Dentist uses tooth-coloured filling material (composite resin), which binds to the tooth, and restores strength to a tooth weakened by decay.

The advantages of resin composite dental filling over other types:

It’s the same colour as your teeth and

It forms a bond with your tooth, making it stronger.

So, for those who do not want their fillings to show, composite fillings are the best option possible!

Gold Filling:

What is a gold filling?

Gold fillings are also known as inlays or onlays that are made up of copper, gold, and various metal alloys. This form of dental filling is believed to be the most long-lasting, but it is also expensive.

Details:- Gold fillings have been one of the most popular dental filling in the world of dentistry, especially due to their longevity, robustness, and durability. However, in today’s time and age, dentists are no longer using them. In recent times, it’s rare to find a dentist who offers gold dental fillings.

One of the main reasons behind the reduced use of gold fillings is its expensive nature. Most people may not consider it as a very cost-effective procedure.

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings:

What is an amalgam filling?

Silver amalgam has been used by dentists for centuries. That’s why it’s known as the most popular cavity filling material. Amalgam fillings are highly robust, durable, and long-lasting. Also, they are among the most economical cavity filling products. The procedure of inserting it into the cavities is easy,  but they might lack the natural appearance of composite resin fillings.

The mercury content of amalgam has been a subject of contradiction over the years, as it is considered toxic. On the flip side, the American Dental Academy (ADA) and the US Food & Drug Administration have declared amalgam fillings to be a healthy and effective alternative to this alleged problem.

Having an appointment with a dentist is important prior to making any decision about dental fillings.

 

Read More: Periodontitis: Gum Disease Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Glass Ionomer Fillings:

What is Glass Ionomer Fillings?

Glass ionomer fillings bind to the tooth chemically. They can also release fluoride, which aids in tooth decay prevention. As a result, they’re typically used only for baby teeth and ‘non-biting surfaces like the ‘necks’ of the teeth.

Details:- Glass ionomer is a filling material used by dentists to restore the part of the tooth that has been damaged by cavities. The glass ionomer is a cavity filler that is made from a combination of glass particles and acrylic acids. These fillings also have a natural look that matches the colour of your tooth enamel.

The glass-and-acrylic fillings are suitable for young children with evolving tooth structure since they release fluoride, which  protects teeth from decay. Ionomers are more likely to break or dislodge than other filling materials, and they will need to be replaced in as little as five years, even though the expense is equivalent to composite resin. 

That’s why Glass ionomer fillings are typically reserved for extremely small cavities or separate cavities between teeth. They are  frequently used for fillings that are either above or below the gum line.

Porcelain/Ceramic Fillings:

What is a Porcelain/Ceramic Filling?

Inlays, ceramic, and Cerec restorations are all terms used to describe porcelain fillings. They look alike exactly to natural teeth. And, their modern bonding methods eliminate the need to remove a significant amount of tooth structure. They are the material of choice for molar teeth, which often need larger filling.

Once the dentist has shaped the cavity, he or she will take an impression of your tooth and submit it to a lab where an inlay or onlay will be prepared for you. Porcelain cavity fillings are returned after being prepared and bonded to the tooth with dental cement. Porcelain ceramic fillings, on the other hand, are more porous than composite resin, so they are more likely to crack. Porcelain fillings are not often recommended for back teeth restorations that require to withstand a lot of chewing force.

Now that you know the different types of dental fillings,  consult your dentist and pick the most desirable type of dental filling for yourself.

Now choosing a clinic for composite dental fillings in Arana Hills & Brookside North Brisbane is much easier since My Gentle Dentist clinics have the most 5-star reviews on Google from their clients. So, if you are looking for incredible dental fillings procedures near Arana Hills, Brookside, Mitchelton, Everton Hills, Everton Park, Ferny Grove, Ferny Hills, Keperra, Stafford Heights, then do consider your local clinic, My Gentle Dentist at Arana Hills, or Brookside to get the best-ever quality gum treatment services.