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What are the different types of tooth filling material?

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Digital Healthcare Expert
What are the different types of tooth filling material?

Modern dental practices have made it easier for people to take better care of their teeth resulting in a decreased number of cavities. However, nearly one-third of adults in the US still suffer from tooth decay at least once in their lifetime and there are high chances that you will too. In order to treat this cavity, the dentist needs to clean out the decayed area and remove that portion that leaves a hole in the tooth. This empty space is then filled with preferred dental filling by the dentist to smooth out that area. 

 

Fortunately, now there are more types of filling available today that vary in complexity and material. Some are direct fillings that are placed directly in a cavity while others are indirect where the impression of the tooth is taken in order to create a custom filling to fit around. These filling materials may also vary in their look, strength, longevity, and their cost as well. As a result, there will come a point of time where you will need to select the type of material for your filling. In most cases, your dentist will assist you in selecting the type of material for your filling but according to a healthcare digital marketingservice, knowing what options are available with their pros and cons can also help you in making the best choice. So, in this post, we will cover some types of tooth filling materials along with their advantages and disadvantages. 

 

A quick rundown on types of tooth fillings 

 

  1. Amalgam (silver filling) 

 

Amalgam is one of the most common types of filling and it has been in use for a century around the world. As the name suggests it is basically a material made from a combination of metals such as silver, copper, tin, mercury, and zinc. Since the mercury is in a liquid state in the dental amalgam, it reacts with other powered metals and creates a binding agent. This agent can be then molded to fit in the space left after removing the cavities. As this filling is made of metals, it is silver in color, hence also known as a silver filling. 

 

Compared to other fillings, silver amalgam fillings are the cheapest and are very strong and long-lasting. So, you think of it as a classic option for your teeth. 

 

Advantages of silver amalgam filling: 

 

  • A silver amalgam filling is durable and can last for a longer duration of about 10 to 15 years. 
  • It is strong enough to withstand chewing forces. 
  • It may be less expensive as compared to composite fillings. 

 

Disadvantages of silver amalgam filling: 

 

  • Amalgam filling has a distinct silver color that does not match the color of the natural teeth. 
  • In order to make a space large enough to hold the amalgam filling, healthy parts of the tooth are often removed. 
  • Over a period of time amalgam fillings discolors and forms a grayish hue to the surrounding tooth. 
  • Teeth do expand and contract when they come in contact with hot or cold liquids which can lead to a crack or fracture in the tooth. This degree of expansion and contraction is wider in amalgam filling as compared to other fillings which can lead to a higher incidence of cracks and fractures. 
  • Some people may be allergic to the mercury present in this filling. 

 

  1. Composite resin (tooth-colored filling) 

 

A composite filling is considered a major type of filling material as it is white in color and can be matched to your existing tooth color for a more natural finish. So, now it is a quite popular option among the people as they desire a natural-looking smile. It is typically made from powdered glass and an acrylic resin which can bond directly with the tooth making it stronger than it would be with the amalgam filling. In general, this filling can also be used to repair cracked or chipped teeth. 

 

Advantages of Composite filling 

 

  • A composite filling is of the same color as the teeth, so it is ideal and well suited for visible parts of teeth. 
  • This filling bonds micro-mechanically to the tooth providing further support. 
  • It is versatile and in addition to being a filling material for decay, it can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth. 
  • Less tooth structure needs to be removed in comparison with the amalgam filling. 

Disadvantages of composite filling: 

 

  • Composite fillings are less durable than amalgams and last for only 5 years. 
  • The time required to place this filling can be longer than the amalgam filling. 
  • They may require more than one office visit if they are used for inlays or onlays. 
  • They can chip off the tooth  
  • Composite fillings cost more than amalgam fillings. 

 

  1. Glass-ionomer cement 

 

Glass-ionomer cement is generally a less common type of filling than composite or amalgam filling. It is made from a specific type of glass material and acrylic. This filling is used most commonly for inlay fillings and people with a lot of decay that extends below the gum. It is also used as a liner for other types of filling, front teeth fillings, for around the necks of your teeth, in roots, and even for filling baby teeth.  

 

Advantages of glass-ionomer cement 

 

  • Glass-ionomer cement releases fluoride that helps to strengthen the surrounding structure of the tooth. 
  • The unique thing about this filling is that as it produces fluoride, it can protect the teeth from further decay and this is something that other fillings do not offer. 

 

Disadvantages of glass-ionomer cement 

 

  • Aesthetically, glass-ionomer cement cannot accurately match the tooth color like the composite resin. 
  • Not much durable as compared to other types of filling materials and can only last for the duration of 5 years or less. 
  • This material is quite weak and is highly prone to cracks, wear, and tear. 
  • It is as expensive as a composite filling. 

 

  1. Porcelain filling or Ceramic filling 

 

The ceramic filling is the best choice to consider when it comes to selecting the type of material for tooth filling because it is both aesthetically attractive and long-lasting. It is basically made from porcelain material, hence, it is also known as a porcelain filling. This filling is a form of indirect filling that can blend very well with the tooth that is being repaired.  

 

Advantages of ceramic filling 

 

  • Aesthetically, the ceramic filling is of tooth color, more attractive, cosmetically appealing, and can resist stains and abrasion. 
  • This filling material is more durable and long-lasting as compared to the other fillings. It can last for about more than 15 years. 
  • It covers most of the decayed tooth. 

 

Disadvantages of ceramic filling  

 

  • The major drawback of the ceramic filling is that it is more fragile or brittle, hence, the dentist needs to enlarge the space to create room for its bulkiness. 
  • This is the most expensive filling material as compared to all the other filling materials. 

 

  1. Cast Gold filling 

 

As the name suggests, cast gold fillings are made with a gold alloy that is mixed with other metals. You will actually never come across a dentist who will suggest you this filling when there are other options available. Because of the fact that it is made up of gold, it is the most expensive filling. 

 

Advantages of cast gold filling 

 

  • Cast gold filling has the longest durability of 10 to 15 years and can also last longer than this. 
  • It does not corrode. 
  • This is very strong and can withstand the chewing forces. 
  • Gold fillings are more aesthetically appealing to some patients than silver amalgam fillings.  

 

Disadvantages of cast gold filling 

 

  • Cast gold filling is more expensive than all the other filling materials and can cost up to 10 times higher than amalgam fillings. 
  • As compared to other types, this filling may take a series of visits to get it properly fitted into the cavities. 
  • If in case, a gold filling is placed immediately next to the silver amalgam filling, you may experience a sharp pain called a galvanic shock.  
  • While some patients may find this filling pleasing to the eyes, most patients don’t like the metal-colored fillings and prefer some other fillings over this. 

 

Conclusion 

 

Though a dentist is the best and the only person who can help you determine and select which is the best and most suited material for filling in your cavity, you can also make the best choice by knowing and getting a clear idea of all the different types of tooth filling materials available. You can choose according to your budget and current dental health. However, if you are in a doubt, a dentist is always there to provide you with a solution based on the location of the cavity in your mouth and the severity of the decay. You just need to book an appointment with a dentist to find out what is best for you. But once, you are done with the filling, make sure to follow good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly, in order to maintain it. 

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