Dental fillings are a fundamental aspect of restorative dentistry, which is crucial in repairing cavities and restoring the structural integrity of damaged teeth. Dental filling types are many to choose from.
Primarily meant to repair cavities caused by tooth decay, fillings restore the affected tooth’s integrity, function, and also aesthetics. The process involves removing the decayed tooth material, cleaning the affected area, and then filling it with a material like amalgam, composite, or porcelain. This restores the tooth’s shape and prevents further decay by sealing off any sort of cracks or spaces where bacteria might enter. With advancements in dental technology, today’s fillings are functional and can also be closely matched to the natural color of one’s teeth, offering thus a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
Types of dental fillings:
Dental fillings are diverse materials, from traditional amalgam to modern composite resins, gold, silver, ceramic, and also glass ionomer, offering options to suit various needs and preferences.
Types of dental fillings (past and present)
- Amalgam fillings.
- Composite resin fillings.
- Gold and silver fillings.
- Ceramic fillings.
- Glass Ionomer Fillings.
- Porcelain fillings.
Amalgam fillings: pros and cons
Also referred to as silver amalgam, these fillings are known for their durability and affordability and have been staples in dental care for decades. They are made of tin, mercury, copper, and silver. While they were once the go-to option, their use has declined, and dentists rarely use this material for dental fillings. This filling is less aesthetically pleasing due to its metallic appearance, can lead to tooth staining, and is known to cause tooth sensitivity (unproven scientifically). They contain traces of elemental mercury, which, while proven safe, can lead many dentists to choose another option for their fillings.
Composite resin fillings: Aesthetic and functional
Composite dental fillings are usually made from a mixture of silica, plastic, glass, quartz, and also other ceramic particles incorporated in a resin base. After tooth preparation, this mixture is then bonded into the hollow space left by the removed tooth decay and then hardened using a curing UV light.
Composite fillings can be, of course, matched to a patient’s tooth color and are expected to last about five to seven years, after which they will need to be replaced.
Gold fillings: The durable choice
Gold fillings are long-lasting and also durable but expensive, making them an uncommon choice. Gold fillings will not corrode or even tarnish but are visible as their color does not match the surrounding teeth. If gold fillings are made use of at all, they will typically only be used to repair decay damage on the molar teeth so as not to be visible when a patient smiles. Several dental clinics no longer offer gold fillings but may be able to accommodate a patient’s request under special circumstances. A composite or even ceramic filling will typically be recommended instead.
Ceramic fillings: Beauty as well as strength
Made of porcelain, these fillings are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and will last a long time. They can also be color-matched to the surrounding tooth and do not stain easily.
The drawbacks of this type of filling are that they are bulkier than composite fillings and require a larger cavity to be created in one’s tooth. Porcelain crowns are often chosen over fillings on account of the amount of material removal that can be required.
Glass ionomer fillings
These dental fillings are made of a specific glass and also an acrylic mixture. Most often used for cavities in young children whose teeth are yet undergoing major changes. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride, which helps protect the tooth from continued decay.
Glass ionomer fillings are much weaker than composite resin fillings and are indeed more prone to fractures and wear. These are usually only considered for use in children’s dentistry.
Which dental filling types for oneself
Factors to consider when choosing filling material, When selecting the material for a dental filling, several factors must be considered to ensure the best outcome for both oral health and aesthetics.
First, the location and extent of the decay play a pivotal role; for instance, ceramic fillings, known for their durability, are often preferred for back teeth that endure more chewing force.
For visible teeth, tooth-colored materials like composite resins or ceramics are favored for their natural appearance.
The patient’s allergies or sensitivities to certain materials, such as metals, are also crucial considerations.
Durability and longevity are important, particularly for individuals with a strong bite or those who grind their teeth, where a more robust material like porcelain might be recommended.
Cost and insurance coverage can influence the choice as well, with some materials being more expensive and potentially less covered by insurance plans.
Lastly, the patient’s preference for aesthetics and the material’s potential impact on their overall oral health should be weighed. A detailed discussion with the dentist, considering these factors, will help in choosing suitable dental filling material.
Few dental fillings have indeed undergone major improvements. Self-healing dental composites are currently under development, which involves adding tiny capsules filled with a healing agent to the composite material. When a crack forms, these capsules break and release the healing agent, sealing the crack. This technology does permit composites to repair themselves, potentially eliminating the need to visit a dentist for minor cracks.
Conclusion
Caring for dental fillings properly extends their lifespan and helps maintain good overall oral health.