What type of fillings

There are two main types of dental fillings: amalgam and composite. Each is durable, but a dentist will advise what material is the best based on the location and size of the cavity. These are silver-colored and have been one of the most common filling materials. Amalgam fillings are easy for dentists to work with and are more affordable for patients.

These are made from a combination of metals including mercury, silver, tin and copper. The durability of silver amalgam fillings make them the best choice for large cavities or cavities in the back teeth. Your dentist is the best person to help you determine the material that is most suited for your needs, taking into consideration your budget and your current dental health. When trying to decide which type of filling is best suited for you, you need to factor in the location of the cavity in your mouth, severity of decay, cost, and your insurance coverage.

Read on to get more information about each of these materials. Gold fillings are very strong, non-corrosive and can last up to 15 years, with proper care. However, they are much more expensive than silver amalgam fillings and require more than one dental visit to be fitted correctly.

Silver amalgam fillings are also very strong and sturdy, however, many individuals do not find them to be aesthetically pleasing. In addition, they are more likely to expand and contract and to cause a tooth crack as compared to other types of fillings. In addition, many individuals worry about the long-term safety of silver amalgam fillings since they contain Mercury: a known neurotoxin.

Composite fillings are an attractive option because they can be closely matched to the color of your teeth. However, composite fillings are more expensive than silver amalgam fillings and are not as durable.

Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain and are a very aesthetically pleasing option that is also very durable. However, ceramic fillings cost more than silver amalgam fillings and can wear the opposing teeth if the porcelain becomes rough. Glass ionomers acrylic fillings often last for less than five years but are a good choice for children if their teeth are changing.

They can also release Fluoride and this helps to prevent tooth decay. Again, your dentist is the best person to help you decide which type of material to use for your dental fillings.

If you have additional questions about any of these types of fillings, talk to your dentist today. Posted on behalf of Dr. Hye Park, Green Dental of Alexandria. If you notice signs of wear on your tooth fillings, such as cracks or worn areas, see your dentist to have the filling replaced as soon as possible.

Continuing to chew with a damaged filling can cause the tooth to crack and require additional repair that is more expensive and more complicated than a simple cavity filling. If additional tooth decay develops around a filling, whether or not the filling is damaged, your dentist may choose to repair the tooth with a crown instead of a second cavity filling.

Possible complications from cavity fillings include:. Enamel Mouthwash Explore. BringOnTheSmiles Enabling healthier oral care habits. These common symptoms of mercury poisoning indicate dangers to your body:. They become an eyesore, especially in highly visible areas of the mouth. The best and most popular types of fillings are composite and porcelain fillings. Both of these options offer their own benefits for patients with cavities.

Composite fillings are made of glass and acrylic resin. As tooth-colored fillings, they are customized to closely match the teeth being filled. The composite material bonds directly to the tooth structure, which lends extra strength and support to the damaged tooth. Even though ceramic fillings come at a higher price point, many patients are happy to pay extra for dental fillings that are safe, resistant to staining, and aesthetically pleasing.