Some people are confused with dental filling and dental restoration. Others think that these two dental terms are just the same. But technically they are two different things. Although they share several things, one thing is they both fix a decayed or broken tooth. A dental filling simply means plugging or filling a hole in the tooth. It is considered an immediate quick-fix, rather than a long term solution. Whereas a tooth restoration is a method used in restoring a tooth as close as possible to its original structure and function.
Both are used in making the tooth not only look great but also function optimally again. Tooth restoration offers long term outcomes, while the dental filling only offers short term outcomes.
What is Teeth Filling?
A tooth filling is one of the dental procedures that fixes a broken or severely damaged tooth. It’s a process wherein the damaged part of a tooth is removed and the area is filled with replacement material. Generally, dental filling protects your teeth against further damage and restores the tooth’s appearance and function.
Dental fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth. It is also used to fix teeth that have been worn down from misuse such as tooth grinding or nail-biting.
Related article: What are the Possible Side Effects of Dental Fillings?
Types of Dental Filling
As of today, there are already several dental filling materials available worldwide. You can choose from porcelain, gold, silver amalgam; or tooth-coloured, plastic, or composite resin fillings. There is also a material filling that contains glass particles which are known as glass ionomer. This kind of material is used in ways similar to the composite resin fillings.
When it comes to determining what type of filling is best for you, you must consider some factors. The factors may include the location and extent of the decay, cost, insurance coverage, and your dentist’s recommendation.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
This is the most commonly used type of filling. Silver amalgam is not just a silver material that you might think. It’s a mixture of minerals that is 50 percent silver, copper, tin and zinc, and another 50 percent of mercury. It’s considered a popular choice for fillings among dentists because of its strong and durable characteristics and its cheaper cost. In fact, a typical silver amalgam filling can last 12 years or more. Additionally, it is pretty easy for a dentist to fit into a cavity, leaving no blood or saliva contamination issues.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made of a resin and plastic material filling. It is placed into the cavity while it’s soft, then hardened it with bright blue “curing” light. It’s also a popular filling option because it can easily match the colour of a person’s existing teeth. This, giving you natural-looking, unlike the silver amalgam filling.
Ceramic Fillings
These ceramic fillings are made of porcelain and are both durable and aesthetically appealing. These are also tooth-coloured and more resistant to staining and abrasion than composite resin. However, ceramic fillings are more expensive than other types of filling.
Gold Fillings
We are sure that it will not surprise you to learn that gold fillings are expensive and not so common. As a matter of fact, it is way difficult for the dentist to offer you gold filling as an option. Another thing is, it takes more than one office visit just to fit a gold filling properly. Hence, a gold filling is strongly built, it does not corrode, and it can last for more than 20 years.
What is Teeth Restoration?
Teeth restoration is a dental procedure used in resolving esthetic dental problems. This dental technique relies heavily on precious metals in general, and in particular on gold, for the filling of cavities. It is also known for the construction of orthodontic appliances like crowns, bridges, implants, veneers and partials. These dental restorations are sometimes fabricated indirectly outside of the mouth. Then, they are being affixed to the tooth structures in some manner.
To clear your mind between teeth filling and teeth restoration, below are some services that restoration includes:
- Teeth Fillings
- Root Canals
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Implants
- Veneers
- Oral hygiene advice
To sum it up, a tooth filling procedure is just under the tooth/dental restoration services. Tooth restoration covers a wide range of dental procedures.
Teeth Restoration Classifications
Dental restoration has two main categories, direct and indirect tooth restoration. Read further to know the difference between the two.
Direct Tooth Restoration
A direct tooth restoration is a dental procedure made directly inside the mouth. This dental restoration is usually made from one of two materials – composite resin or glass ionomer cement (GIC). Both composite resin and GIC materials are biocompatible, which means that humans are safe to use these.
Indirect Tooth Restoration
In contrast, an indirect restoration is literally made outside the mouth. It is done in a dental laboratory and made using specialized equipment in the practice. It is usually prepared with porcelain or ceramic materials. Indirect restorations often produce a better quality outcome for patients. However, it takes longer to perform as it needs to be done over two visits.
Get a Quote Today
Whatever your oral health habits or dental problems most patients need to receive teeth restoration at some point. At Osmin Denture Clinic & Smile Diana Dentistry in North York, we provide a comprehensive range of teeth restoration services.
You can contact us if you need a minor tooth filling or more extensive dental work. (dental crowns, bridges, root canals, veneers, etc.) We can attend to your needs with professionalism and the utmost commitment to patient satisfaction.
Related article: How Much Does it Cost for Tooth Filling?
