The Many Different Types of Dental Fillings

Did you know that more than ninety percent of people have fillings in at least one of their permanent teeth?

The most common way for dentists to treat decaying teeth is by creating fillings. It’s easy to make the mistake of thinking that every type of filling is the same. What you might not realize is that some kinds of dental fillings are better than others.

If you want to find out about the many types of dental fillings, keep reading and we’ll tell you which ones are the best to have.

What Is Involved in Filling a Tooth?

When you go into the dentist’s office to get a filling, the first thing that your dentist will do is apply a local anesthetic to your gums. This will make the area around your tooth cavity numb.

Your dentist will then use a machine to remove the area that is decayed. Some dentists use drills or air abrasion instruments, while others use lasers.

There are several things a dentist will take into account when deciding which kind of tool he or she will use. This includes what kinds of training they have, where the cavity is located, and how severely your tooth is decayed.

The next step of a dental filling procedure is to check your tooth so that your dentist can find out whether or not they’ve gotten rid of the decayed area.

If they were successful, your dentist will start preparing your tooth for a filling. They’ll do this by cleaning the tooth so that there is no bacteria or debris.

In the case that the decay is close to the root of your tooth, it’s possible that your dentist will install a liner. These are usually made of glass ionomer or composite resin. Before your dentist finishes their work, they’ll polish the tooth they’ve been working on.

A Slightly Different Procedure for Tooth-Colored Fillings

When your dentist has finished removing the decay in your tooth and cleaning the area, they’ll apply a material that has the same color as your tooth. This step of the procedure involves adding several different layers.

When this is finished, your dentist will shine a bright light into your mouth. This is a way of “curing” the material that they’ve put on your tooth.

Lastly, your dentist will add a shape to the composite material they’ve put inside of your mouth. They will then trim away the extra material and polish your tooth one more time.

What Are the Most Common Types of Fillings?

There are many more types of dental fillings available than there were in the recent past. Some of the most popular kinds of filling materials include gold, porcelain, plastic, and composite resin fillings.

More and more people are choosing to go to a natural dentist to get their fillings because they’re concerned about the potential health consequences of getting fillings that contain mercury.

A dentist will make the decision of what kind of filling material to use by assessing things like how extensively decayed your tooth is, how much filling materials cost, and what type of insurance coverage you have. Here are some of the most popular kinds of dental fillings.

Cast Gold Fillings

People often prefer to get gold fillings because they can last fifteen years or longer. They don’t corrode and can withstand high amounts of pressure. This means that you don’t have to worry about them breaking when you’re chewing.

Gold fillings also tend to be more expensive than other kinds of fillings. They’ll typically cost around ten times more than silver amalgam fillings. People also choose not to get them because they don’t like to have colored fillings.

Silver Amalgam Fillings

Just like gold fillings, silver amalgam fillings are durable, which means that they’ll last for many years. They are also one of the least expensive kinds of fillings.

Unfortunately, it’s necessary to destroy more tooth structures to install amalgam fillings than with other kinds of fillings. These kinds of fillings also tend to develop fractures and cracks over time.

People also choose not to get them because they release small amounts of mercury in the form of vapor. It’s possible to inhale these vapors. This can potentially affect the brain and kidneys in negative ways.

Tooth-Colored Composites

These are great fillings for those who don’t want people to notice that they’ve had fillings. This is because they will match the color of your other teeth. It’s also possible to use tooth-colored composites to fix teeth that are chipped, broken, or worn.

Tooth-colored composites are not very durable. Then tend to wear out much more quickly than cast gold fillings or silver amalgam composites.

You’ll also need to spend more time in the dentist’s chair if you want to get this kind of filling. It usually takes around half an hour longer to add tooth-composite fillings than it does to add silver fillings.

Other Types of Fillings

Some dentists choose to add ceramic fillings to their patients’ teeth. This kind of filling doesn’t stain and will last for fifteen years or more. Ceramic fillings cost about the same as gold fillings.

It’s also possible to get glass ionomer fillings. They are made from a combination of acrylic and glass. Dentists often use these for filling cavities that go below the gum line.

There Are Many Kinds of Dental Fillings

If you’re trying to figure out what the best kinds of dental fillings are, keep in mind that some fillings cost more than others. You should also know that silver amalgam fillings can emit mercury vapor, which can adversely affect your health.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental hygiene, don’t forget to visit the Health section of our website.