Many options are available when it comes to tooth fillings, and each of them has its features and advantages. The different types of dental fillings include amalgam composite, metals, ceramic and a special glass ionomer type.
When deciding which type of filling is best suited for you, you need to consider several factors such as the cavity location in your mouth, decay severity, cost, dental insurance coverage, and aesthetic preferences.
Different Types of Dental filling
There is a wide variety of materials that you can choose from to fill in the cavities, and they significantly vary in strength and colour. Although each dental filling type can be used to fill cavities in your teeth, some types are better suited for certain dental conditions.
Your dentist is the best person to help you determine the right material for your dental needs while considering your current dental health and even your budget.
Amalgam Fillings
Dental professionals in Canada have been using Amalgam cavity fillings for more than a century. In fact, it is the most researched material for filling cavities. They are strong and ideal for stuffing the cavities in the back of your mouth, such as in the molars, where you chew more often.
The downside of Amalgam is it can be noticeable when you laugh or smile since they are made of several metallic elements. But, they are among the least expensive of all cavity-filling materials.
Composite Fillings
Composite is one of the types of dental fillings made fairly durable and are ideal for small-to-mid-size dental restorations that perform moderate chewing.
These composites are also called filled resins that feature a combination of glass or quartz filler, perfectly matching your teeth’ colour.
Ceramic
A ceramic cavity filling is usually made of porcelain. It is tooth-coloured and is less likely to show tooth stains over time than a composite filling. But the price is a factor you need to consider since a ceramic one can be nearly as expensive as a gold material.
Metals
Gold or silver amalgam is the most common metal materials used for a filling. Gold fillings usually cost as much as ten times more than silver amalgam. Despite its colour, some people prefer the appearance of gold to silver fillings since they are more durable and can last as long as 10 to 15 years before they need replacement than the less-durable composite material.
Glass Ionomer
Glass ionomer is a blend of acrylic and special glass used to create a filling that releases fluoride to protect your teeth. The downside is that a glass ionomer is less durable than other types of dental fillings; thus, it may need to be replaced in as little as five years.
Benefits of Tooth fillings
Different types of dental fillings have each own features, but they mostly share the same advantages since they all function the same. Below are some of the benefits you can enjoy with dental fillings.
Prevents the Cavity From Growing
When you get a filling, your dentist will also professionally clean the decayed part of your tooth before he/she pours in the filling material, sealing the hole caused by the cavity.
Doing so can protect your dentine’s nerve endings from being exposed to the hot or cold food you usually eat, including the acids created by the bacteria in your mouth.
Improves the Teeth Structure
Another benefit of dental filling is it helps to improve the structure of your tooth. Instead of the tooth being hollowed out because of the cavity, the filling will give it the support it needed. These dental procedures are temporary solutions, so there is no damage done to your teeth during the process.
Repairs Fractured Teeth
Different types of dental fillings can be used to repair and strengthen your fractured tooth. The most common type used for this purpose is the white composite material. If one of your teeth become fractured due to oral trauma from physical activities, accidents, or you chew on hard things like ice or hard candies, you may consult your dentist and ask for dental filings.
Protects your Teeth From Decay
Another best benefit of dental fillings is it can protect your teeth from decaying. Typically, tiny holes may develop on your teeth that aren’t big enough to be considered cavities, but these holes can trap food particles and debris. Over time, these holes will eventually cause tooth decay. Fortunately, you can seal them with a filling.
When to Get Dental filling?
If you notice signs of wear on your teeth such as worn areas or cracks see your dentist and get a cavity filling as soon as possible. There several types of dental filling that you can choose from. Each of them has its unique features that will suit your special needs but they all function the same, which is to fill in the holes in your teeth.
Continuing to chew with a damaged tooth can cause the tooth to crack more and require additional repair that is more expensive and more complicated than simple fillings. Thus, getting a dental filling is the right option to do.
If you are looking for a dental clinic in Toronto, you may consider Osmin Denture. You may contact us at 647-294-3310 to book your appointment.
