Types of Dental Fillings to be Aware Of

When you have a cavity, our dentists will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and fill it with filling material to restore the integrity of the tooth. This is the most common use of dental fillings. Dental fillings, however, may also be used to repair broken or chipped teeth and create the impression of a stable tooth.

There are various kinds of dental fillings in the market currently. Your choice of dental filling material will be determined by personal choice, the cost of the filling, and our dentist’s personal recommendation. Below, we discuss a few common examples of dental fillings and their various advantages and disadvantages.

Gold Amalgams

Gold fillings are just as the name suggests. They are made of a gold cast material and look just like gold. They are, by far, the most common dental fillings. They are durable and can last up to 15 years without the need for replacement. They are also aesthetically appealing. The major disadvantage of these fillings is their cost and the fact that they stand out from the rest of the tooth.

Silver Fillings

These are the most common second to gold fillings. They tend to last very long, outdoing their composite counterparts. They are aesthetically appealing and can withstand even the toughest biting forces. The disadvantage of silver fillings, however, is that they tend to crack more easily. They also do not match the color of the rest of the tooth.

Tooth Colored Composites

These are composites that closely resemble the color of teeth. They are easy to use and can be bonded to repair broken and chipped teeth. They are aesthetically appealing as they match the color of teeth. They are more common in dental practice. Their major disadvantage is that they lack the durability of amalgams. They also take a slightly longer time to install. Call us to see how we can help with fillings.

If you are looking to explore your options on matters dental fillings, consider calling our offices. We are more than willing to take you through all the available options and find the best option for you.

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