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Oct 17, 2023
We have all heard of dental fillings and may have one or two in our jaws. These substances cover the holes created in the teeth affected by cavities. Dentists remove the damaged or decayed part of the tooth and then cover the gap to avoid future damage due to bacteria.
The filling can also be used when the tooth is broken or chipped due to an injury. It helps to restore the original shape of the tooth and chewing all types of foods. Dental fillings can be made from a single substance or a combination of different materials to seal the tooth effectively.
Practitioners use a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and remove the decayed part to fill it with the desired substance. They polish the tooth to ensure perfect bite and symmetry among teeth.
Here are the basic types of dental fillings used by dentists in Hope Island to restore and repair damaged or broken teeth. It will help you choose the right one within your budget.
Four Basic Types of Dental Fillings
Understanding the pros and cons of each filling material is essential to make an informed decision during dental treatment. Let us look at this information for each type of filling.
1. Porcelain Dental Fillings
The porcelain fillings consist of ceramic polymer that is filled into the hole in the tooth or over the tooth if it is chipped. These are customised in the lab, cemented on the affected tooth, and sit like a crown over the natural tooth. They are different from composite resin fillings fixed on the tooth and shaped by the dentist on the spot.
Porcelain fillings are the strongest and can last up to 15 years. They do not get discoloured over time and are not cracked or chipped easily. They remain intact in shape and are not affected by hot, cold, or hard foods.
They match the natural colour of the teeth and are perfect for those who are concerned about their appearance. The only downside of this type of dental filling is the higher price. However, the multitude of advantages offered by porcelain filling outshines its cost.
2. Silver Amalgam Dental Fillings
The amalgam fillings are made from a combination of liquid mercury and an alloy of silver (50%), copper and tin. The liquid mercury binds with the alloys to make the amalgam. They are often called silver fillings because of their silver colour.
Silver amalgam fillings are durable and can last up to ten to fifteen years. It is often recommended by dentist Hope Island to people with tooth decay but limited budget. It is the most cost-effective filling and has been used for ages. However, these fillings do not showcase a pleasing sight and thus are not preferred by patients who are concerned about their looks.
They have a few other disadvantages, like contracting and expanding over time and requiring drilling a big hole in the tooth to fit the filling. The liquid mercury in the filling releases a vapour that gets absorbed by the lungs and can affect other body parts or lead to an allergic reaction.
3. Gold Dental Fillings
Gold fillings contain gold (75%), copper and other metals. These are liked by a lot of patients with tooth decay who consider them aesthetically pleasing. They are fairly strong and maintain their rigidity even while chewing hard foods.
It can last up to ten to fifteen years but is quite expensive because of the high price of gold. These are not very common and require at least two appointments with your dentist in Hope Island. The metal is non-corrosive, so it does not change colour.
4. Composite Dental Fillings
The composite fillings are made from acrylic resin, which is strengthened with powdered glass filler. The putty-like customisable material matches natural tooth colour and is used in fillings, crowns and veneers.
They are also known as direct fillings and have low durability. Composite fillings last up to five years but can be used effectively on front teeth as well as back teeth.
Other Dental Fillings
Another type of dental filling material that is suggested for children by Hope Island dentists is glass ionomer. It is also known as acrylic filling and is used for sealing fissures in molar teeth in children and teenagers.
Its lifespan is less than five years, but it is recommended for children because their teeth are developing and changing shape. They contain fluoride, which helps maintain oral health and reduce the risk of damage. However, its low durability makes it susceptible to fractures and cracks.
Wrapping Up
If you have been suggested dental filling by your dentist in Hope Island, you must be aware of the pros and cons of each filling material. Besides considering the cost of the treatment, you must pay attention to the durability and aesthetic appeal of the material for the best results.
