5 TYPES OF DENTAL FILLINGS; WHICH ONE IS THE BEST?

Choosing the best type of dental filling does not only makes your dental treatment effective but also gives you the confidence to smile better. Now, how do you know what dental filling is best for you? You learn the various types of dental fillings available in this article and make your choice.

What Does Getting A Filling Entail?

Dental fillings involve using various dental materials to fill up holes in teeth that decay, cracks, or breakages can cause. They are effective in repairing mild and moderate dental damage.

At Mi Casa Dental – Houston, TX, different dental materials work for dental fillings. First, your dentist would examine your teeth to confirm the extent of the damage. Dental fillings are suitable for mild and moderate dental injuries. The good news is other dental treatments can restore a tooth with severe decay.

If you are eligible for dental fillings, your dentist will create a treatment plan and discuss the various types of dental fillings that you can get.

On the day of the treatment, your dentist will numb the affected area with a local anesthetic and then use a laser tool to get rid of the decayed part. Next, the dentist will clean and disinfect the region where the filling material will go into. After filling the space with the material, they will shine a unique heating lamp to harden and secure the filling. Lastly, the dentist would trim and polish it into the right shape.

Dental Filling Types

Now, let’s list the various dental fillings that you can get from our dentist in Houston, TX.

• Silver/Amalgam Fillings: These are the most common dental fillings. They are very long-lasting and can last for more than a decade. Silver fillings are very good for back teeth restoration as they are solid at withstanding biting forces. They consist of other materials apart from silver which includes copper, mercury, and tin. The only drawbacks of silver fillings are their noticeable looks. They can be easily spotted, and most people do not like showing their dental restoration. Also, there has been a lot of controversy concerning the mercury used in the silver filling material. However, researchers have confirmed that the levels of mercury are not enough to damage human health.
• Gold Fillings: Just like silver fillings, gold fillings are very durable. They do not erode quickly. They comprise a mixture of gold, copper, and other metallic materials. The downside of gold filling is their cost. They are very much costly than silver fillings.
• Composite Fillings: These fillings are a mixture of ceramic and other materials. They are tooth-colored, and your dentist can get the type that matches your teeth. Most patients prefer composite fillings to silver or gold fillings because they are more cosmetic. However, composite fillings are not as solid and long-lasting as amalgam or silver fillings. You would need to replace them every seven years. They are also more costly than silver fillings.
• Ceramic Fillings: These dental fillings are made from porcelain materials. Just like composite fillings, they are cosmetic and tooth-colored. However, they are stronger than composite fillings and can last for very long. Ceramic fillings are resistant to stains. They are also more costly than composite fillings. You can get ceramic dental fillings near you.
• Glass Ionomer Fillings: These dental fillings are the latest in town. They are made up of acrylic and glass materials. The best part of glass ionomer filling is its protective features. They can protect your teeth from infections cause they release fluoride. They are mainly used for children. However, they are not as strong as composite fillings and can crack or wear out quickly. See a dentist near you to know more about glass ionomer fillings.