Types of Dental Fillings

While all fillings serve the same basic goal, the materials utilized might differ significantly. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, making the decision to fill a crucial one. With various types of dental fillings available, how do you know which one is right for you? This guide, provided by Vancouver Main Dentist, a dental clinic in Vancouver, covers the main types of dental fillings, their benefits, drawbacks, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Filling Materials Color

There are several types of materials for tooth filling that the dentist choose based on the specific circumstance. Considerations for filling a dental cavity include:

• The quantity of restoration required.
• Exposing a decaying or fractured teeth.
• Exposed teeth to extreme pressure.
• Allergy or sensitivity to dental filling materials.

Tooth fillings can be done using the same or different colored materials.

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Tooth-Colored Fillings

Some dental filling materials match the color of the teeth and are commonly used to fill teeth that show when talking or laughing. Unfortunately, tooth-colored materials are less durable than non-colored metals. Tooth-colored materials include composites, ceramics, and glass ionomers.

Metal Fillings

Metals are utilized for teeth that are subjected to increased pressure, such as that induced by chewing. These materials are extremely robust and durable, but they are not the same color as the teeth and do not have a pleasing appearance on the teeth. Because of this, they are employed for molars rather than exposed front teeth. These materials are not the same hue as amalgam or gold.

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Amalgam Filling

Advantages

As you probably know, Amalgam is a silver-colored alloy made of different metals such as silver, copper, tin, zinc and mercury. This substance is more durable than tooth-colored fillings, lasting at least 10-15 years. Amalgam is great for filling molars and teeth under to chewing pressure. This filler is also less expensive than other materials. Note that amalgam fillings are also an option for wisdom teeth. The wisdom tooth should, of course, only be filled if it is still healthy and does not impede the health of other teeth; if not, extraction is the best course of action for a damaged wisdom tooth.

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Disadvantage

Appearance weakness: The biggest issue is with the color of the amalgam. Amalgam is silver and does not match the white color of the tooth, resulting in an unappealing appearance.

Destruction of tooth structure: If amalgam is used to fill the tooth, in addition to emptying the decaying section, a portion of the healthy tissue must be removed to provide room for the amalgam to be put on the tooth.

Color change: Filling the tooth with amalgam changes the color of the tissue around the tooth. That is, the structure around the filled tooth turns gray.

Cracking or breaking the tooth: compared to other fillings, amalgam contracts and expands more in the presence of cold or hot liquids, which in some cases will lead to cracking or breaking the tooth.

Allergic reactions: A tiny number of people are allergic to mercury in amalgam. Usually, a little quantity of mercury in amalgam is emitted as vapor, which can be breathed and absorbed by the lungs. If mercury vapor is absorbed excessively, it will harm the kidney and brain.

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Composite Filling

Advantage

Aesthetics: Composite fillings are made of glass, quartz, and acrylic resin that is the same hue as the teeth. This material is ideal for filling front teeth that are clearly visible.

Connection to the tooth structure: Composite fillings are micromechanically attached to the tooth structure and become integrated into it.

Versatility: In addition to filling cavities caused by caries, composite may be used to repair cracked or worn teeth.

Preservation of the tooth’s original structure: Unlike amalgam, composite does not need to damage and empty the healthy structure of the tooth, and the cavity space created by decay is adequate for installing the composite.

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Disadvantages

Less durable: Composite fillings wear out sooner than amalgam fillings, and their lifespan is about 5 years. On the other hand, composite fillings cannot withstand high pressures caused by chewing, making them unsuitable for teeth that are subjected to significant pressure.

Spending more time: It takes more time to fill a tooth with composite than with amalgam (about half an hour longer). Also, if composite is used for the inlay and onlay method, it may require more than one visit.

Detachment from tooth: Depending on the filling site, composite materials may detach over time.

Cost: Filling teeth with composite costs almost twice as much as amalgam.

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Gold Filling

Advantages

Durability: Gold, copper, and other metal-based dental fillings are robust and long-lasting. Gold tooth fillings last around 10-15 years and do not fall or corrode.

Strength: Gold is strong and suitable for teeth that are subjected to more pressure because it can withstand chewing forces.

Aesthetics: Some patients believe gold is more beautiful than silver amalgam, and gold fillings are more appealing.

Disadvantages

Cost: Filling teeth with gold is more expensive than other materials, i.e., up to 10 times more expensive than amalgam.

Spending more time: To fill teeth with gold, you need to visit the dentist twice.

Galvanic shock: The contact between metals and saliva creates an electric current and leads to severe pain. Of course, this is a rare occurrence.

Aesthetics: Most patients hate filling teeth with colored materials and prefer the filled tooth to match the rest of their teeth and be the same.

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Glass Ionomer Filling

Another less frequent tooth filling material is glass ionomer, which is composed of acrylic and a specific form of glass. This tooth filling substance is used to fill the areas of the teeth behind the gums, as well as to fill children’s teeth. Glass ionomer releases fluoride, which reduces the chance of tooth decay. However, these materials have reduced resistance compared to conventional tooth filling materials. The lifespan of glass ionomer is anticipated to be 5 years, and its cost is nearly same to composite resin.

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Ceramic Filling

Ceramic fillings are frequently constructed of porcelain, are more stain-resistant and safer than composites, and offer the most natural appearance conceivable. This substance may endure for up to 15 years, but it costs the same as gold fillings.

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By understanding the types of dental fillings available and what each offers, you can make an informed decision that supports your long-term oral health.

Discover the Best Dental Clinic in Vancouver

Looking for the top dental clinics in Vancouver? Look no farther than Vancouver Main Dentist, where Dr. Amir Kadivar provides a comprehensive list of dental services. Our clinic, located at 1877 Main Street, combines affordability with high-quality service, guaranteeing you receive the best dental care available in Vancouver. We can assist you with routine cleanings as well as more advanced operations. Come see why so many Vancouver residents entrust us with their smiles. Make an appointment now by calling (604) 558-6161!