If your dentist tells you that you need a dental filling, it means that you have a cavity or tooth decay. Whenever tooth decay occurs, dentists will need to perform a procedure to remove the decayed tooth. Once the procedure is done, the dentist will place a filling where the decay was to help restore the damaged tooth.
Once most dentists near Sterling, VA determine that you need a dental filling, you will be presented with different options. Among these options, are the different types of materials that can be used as the dental filling. The two most common types of dental fillings are a tooth-colored composite and silver amalgam.
Here are the different types of dental fillings, along with their pros and cons.
Silver Amalgam
This is the most popular type of dental filling material. Silver amalgam is composed of a combination of mercury (nearly 50%), copper, zinc, tin, and silver. Its popularity may be attributed to its low cost, as well as its durability and strength (it can last up to 15 years or longer). However, despite its popularity, silver amalgam is prone to contractions and expansions, which can later cause cracks in your teeth. Silver amalgam may also create spaces between the filling, potentially causing more cavities due to bacteria and food getting trapped.
Ceramic Fillings
If you want aesthetically pleasing dental fillings, ceramic fillings are a great option. They are also more durable, which is probably the reason why they are more expensive. Ceramic fillings resemble the color of teeth, and are more resistant to abrasion and staining.
Ceramic fillings, however, are more brittle than composite fillings. They also need to be larger to prevent breakage. Therefore, the size of the tooth needs to be reduced to accommodate a ceramic filling.
Composite Fillings
Just like their ceramic counterpart, composite fillings are also tooth-colored. They are made of plastic/resin material, which also means that they tend to be more expensive compared to silver amalgam fillings.
Compared to silver amalgam, composite fillings are not very durable, and are not recommended if you prefer long-lasting dental fillings. You will need to replace them every five years or so.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are non-corrosive and sturdy, but are also more expensive. It will take more than one visit to get a gold filling installed properly, but they are durable and will last for 15 or more years.
There are nott too many dentists nowadays that offer this type of dental filling since tooth-colored materials are now preferred by most people.
Glass Ionomers
This type of dental filling material is made of acrylic and glass, and lasts up to five years. This is often recommended for children whose teeth are still undergoing changes.
Glass ionomers, however, are significantly weaker compared to composite resin and other materials. Glass ionomer fillings are prone to fractures and wear, and do not exactly match the color of teeth.