Types of Dental Fillings

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. 

Bad Breath Can Be Prevented

If your breath is sending others running in the opposite direction, it is time to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can get to the root of your chronic halitosis.

According to Web MD, there are several reasons that people are afraid to talk to you face to face. It could have something to do with a medication you are currently taking or it may be your diet, however, your dentist will tell you that the number one reason people have bad breath is poor oral hygiene habits.

Good oral health habits include brushing twice and flossing once each day. A healthy diet loaded with fruits and vegetables and regular checkups with your dentist should be included in your oral health regime.

The majority of bad breath will start in your mouth and occurs because of bacteria. Food is probably the number one cause if you do not have dental problems. When certain types of foods break down, the leftover food particles can increase the bacteria causing halitosis. Garlic and onions are the biggest culprits as once digested they will stay in your system for 72 hours travelling through your bloodstream and into your lungs.

If you smoke, you may want to quit as smoking and other types of tobacco use will cause bad breathe. Smokers are also more susceptible to gum disease, which is another cause of halitosis.

As mentioned above, poor dental hygiene is the leading cause of bad breath. People who do not brush or floss will develop a sticky plaque or film of bacteria on their teeth. If it is not brushed away, that plaque will irritate your gum line eventually causing gingivitis. If left to its own devices gingivitis will form pockets that are filled with puss in-between your teeth and gums causing periodontitis. The more dangerous form of gum disease, periodontal disease, could have been prevented had you practiced good oral hygiene. Make sure that you also brush your tongue as the uneven surface can trap odor-causing bacteria. If you wear dentures, clean them regularly and make sure that you see your dentist regularly as ill-fitting dentures can also cause chronic bad breath.

Chronic dry mouth, mouth infections, and medications can inadvertently cause halitosis as well. If you have recently had oral surgery, you may also experience bad breath.

In most cases bad breath can be prevented, but only if you practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly.

If chronic bad breath is becoming a problem for you or someone you know, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. Call or click now.