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Mar 08, 2024
Dental fillings are used to restore the shape of the tooth damaged due to decay. It is required when the damage is not too intensive and can be easily cleaned and repaired. The process involves removing the decayed part and filling the gap with a material that prevents further decay. It seals the cavity and thwarts bacteria from entering the tooth. If the cavity is deep or cannot be covered by filling, your dentist in Hope Island will restore the tooth with the help of a crown or cap. If the damage has reached the nerve, it will be treated with the help of the root canal procedure.
An X-ray can help determine the extent of decay and identify the right treatment. The material used for dental filling varies and is chosen by the dentist after considering the extent of damage and any allergic reactions to the material. The basic materials used for dental fillings include gold, silver, composite resin and porcelain fillings. Let us help you understand the pros and cons of different types of dental fillings to choose the right type. It will give you an insight into the material’s durability and outward appearance.
1. Composite Resin Dental Fillings
The composite resin dental fillings are made from powdered glass particles and plastic. Traditionally, Hope Island dentists used this material for restoring a decaying tooth.
Pros:
- Composite resin offers a tooth-like natural appearance to the filling.
- The material can be placed on the cavity easily and does not require drilling, which impacts the natural tooth structure.
- It can be used to restore front as well as back teeth, which makes it highly versatile.
- It can be bonded directly to the tooth and provides the required strength for up to five years.
Cons:
- Composite resin dental fillings are more expensive than silver fillings.
- It is not a long-lasting option as the material starts to wear off after a few years.
- The material can develop gaps after a few years of use and lead to new cavities.
2. Silver or Amalgam Dental Filling
Silver fillings were the most commonly used materials for dental fillings for a long time. They are made from a mixture of various metals, including silver, copper, tin, mercury and zinc.
Pros:
- Silver or amalgam dental fillings are quite affordable and have been traditionally used by experienced dentists Hope Island for treating cavities.
- Amalgam is a strong material that does not wear off easily and is commonly used in back teeth.
- The long-lasting material can stay intact for ten or more years and saves the tooth from harm.
- Silver fillings are easy to fit and can be done in one appointment.
Cons:
- Most people avoid silver fillings because they are dark-coloured fillings that are easily visible.
- The material can also become discoloured over the years.
- Amalgam filling requires drilling of the tooth, which changes the shape of the tooth.
- The metal in the filling can shrink or expand while consuming hot and cold food and drinks, which leads to cracking with time.
- People who are allergic to mercury cannot use this filling.
3. Gold Dental Filling
The gold dental filling is made from a mixture of gold, copper and other metals. It can be used for making inlays, onlays, crowns and bridges.
Pros:
- Gold is the most durable material and can last for more than 15 years.
- It is commonly used for back teeth because of their sturdy nature since they can withstand high pressure.
- Gold fillings do not get discoloured and offer a better appearance than silver fillings.
- Gold does not cause any allergic reactions.
Cons:
- Gold fillings are the most expensive material used for dental filling.
- Your dentist in Hope Island will have to drill the tooth significantly to make space for this filling.
- Most people do not like the appearance of this dental filling that does not match with the natural tooth colour.
4. Porcelain Dental Filling
The porcelain dental filling is made from non-crystalline glass prepared from oxygen and silicon. It is used to cover a big cavity by dentists as it can effectively fill the gap by making a crown or veneer.
Pros:
- Porcelain material can be matched to appear like the natural tooth in colour, which makes it highly popular.
- It does not get stained and does not cause allergies.
- They are considered a strong material for filling cavities in the back teeth that can last up to 7 years.
Cons:
- A porcelain filling can get fractured after years of use and must be replaced.
- They are more expensive than silver filling and must be prepared in the lab, which takes time or more than one appointment.
- It can also require shrinking of the tooth structure to fit the filling.
- It can cause tooth sensitivity if used to cover a deep cavity.
Wrapping Up
Cavities must be treated at the earliest to ensure the damage does not affect the nerve of the tooth. Your dentist will suggest dental filling and ask you to pick the material. It is vital to know the pros and cons of different dental filling materials to choose the appropriate option within your budget and requirements.
