We all know how important it is to care for our teeth, which sometimes means needing a dental filling. But did you know that there are different types of fillings?
Depending on the size and location of the cavity, your dentist may recommend a specific type of dental filling. From gold and silver amalgam to composite and ceramic, each type of filling is made of different materials, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
It’s important to understand the differences between the types of dental fillings so you can make an informed decision about the best type for your needs. In this article, we’ll look at the different types of dental fillings and what they are made of.
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are thin pieces of metal that are placed inside the tooth to fill in a cavity. There are different types of fillings depending on where and what type of damage your teeth have.
From a single filling to a crown, there are many different options to choose from. There are multiple reasons to have a dental filling. If a cavity becomes large enough to affect the tooth’s structure, it can also affect the teeth’s strength or ability to serve as a barrier. A dental filling is a great way to repair damage to teeth.
Types of dental fillings
Gold and silver amalgam - This is the most common type of dental filling. It is a paste made of gold and silver that is placed inside the damaged tooth. This filling is very strong and can resist decay, but it is not recommended for teeth that are very old.
Composite - Composite is a plastic material that is mixed with resins to form a filling that is similar to gold amalgam in strength but is less likely to cause allergic reactions. Composite is the most common type of filling recommended for cavities.
Ceramic - Ceramic is a hard, durable material that is also often used as a filling. It is usually used for complex crowns and restorations.
Gold and silver amalgam
This type of filling is very strong and made of a paste that consists of gold and silver mixed together. However, it can only be placed on the outer surface of the tooth.
Gold amalgam is very strong, but it is also very sensitive to acid. This means that you should brush your teeth thoroughly with an antibacterial toothpaste after every meal or snack to prevent acid from damaging your filling.
Silver amalgam is very strong, but it is also very allergic. Silver amalgam is the most common type of filling because it’s strong and strong-tasting, but it causes allergic reactions in some people.
Composite
Composite is a plastic material that is mixed with resins to form a filling that is similar to gold amalgam in strength but is less likely to cause allergic reactions. Composite is the most common type of filling recommended for cavities. It is a good option if you have a small cavity that is not very close to a nerve, but it is also sensitive to acids and bacteria.
This means you should brush your teeth thoroughly with an antibacterial toothpaste after every meal or snack to prevent bacteria and acids from damaging your filling.
Ceramic
Ceramic is a hard, durable material that is also often used as a filling. It is usually used for complex crowns and restorations. This is a good option if you have a large cavity or if the damage to your teeth is extensive.
This type of filling is strong and resistant to acids, but it is also very durable, so you may not need to have it replaced for a long time. It’s important to note that ceramic fillings are very brittle, so you will likely need a dental crown to protect the filling in the future. This means that you should plan for dental crowns to be part of your long-term dental care plan.
How to choose the right filling for you
Find out if there is any damage to the root of your tooth. If there is, composite fillings are the strongest, and you might need a restoration to protect your tooth.
Next, find out if you have any sensitivity in your mouth. If you do, you should stick to gold amalgam fillings because they are the strongest and have the least chance of causing allergic reactions.
Finally, find out what color your teeth are. If you have stained teeth or a lot of yellowing, you might want to consider composite fillings because they are the strongest and look the least yellow.
To learn more about dental fillings and which is best for you, contact us at 813-634-1932 to schedule an appointment.