If you have a cavity and need a filling, you
should probably be armed with as much information as possible, especially
considering there are several types of filling materials that your dentist may
recommend.
Your teeth can be filled with ceramic porcelain,
gold, silver amalgam, tooth colored plastic, composite resin or glass ionomer. The
location of the cavity, how much decay there is the cost of the materials and
your insurance will determine what type of filling material is best for your
needs.
Gold Cast Fillings can last up to 15 years,
are quite strong, and will not corrode. Gold fillings can withstand chewing and
are more aesthetically pleasing than silver amalgam. However, gold cast
fillings can cost about ten times more than a silver amalgam filling and
require two or more dental visits. You may also experience a galvanic shock,
which is rare, but does happen. A galvanic shock occurs when two metals, such
as silver and gold are placed next to each other.
Silver Amalgam Fillings are as durable as
gold cast and will usually outlast tooth colored composite fillings. Silver
feelings can hold up well under chewing forces and are less expensive than
composite fillings. Silver fillings do not match the rest of your tooth and
require more removal of the natural tooth structure. Amalgam fillings can also
create a gray color surrounding the rest of the tooth. Cracks and fissures may
also occur because there is wider degree of contraction and expansion.
Tooth Colored Composites can be matched to
the color of your teeth and bond directly to the structure of your tooth.
Composite fillings are chemically bonded to your tooth providing additional
support. Composite fillings can also be used to repair worn, broken, or chipped
teeth. Composite fillings also require less tooth structure removal. The ADA explains that Composite
fillings will not last as long as gold or silver fillings and require
additional time in the dental chair. If composites are being used for bonding,
you may require another dental visit. Composites may also chip and are more
expensive than silver amalgam fillings.
Ceramics are made from porcelain and resist
staining better than composite fillings. Ceramic porcelain fillings are more
abrasive and can last about 15 years, but are more expensive than composite,
silver, or gold fillings.
Glass ionomer fillings are made from acrylic
and glass and are normally used for dental fillings that are below your gum
line. They also work for children as they release fluoride that can help
protect teeth from additional decay. Glass ionomer fillings are weaker than
resin and more prone to cracks and fractures. They will last about five years
and cost about the same as composite resin.
For more information regarding dental fillings,
schedule an appointment with your dentist today.
