If you have tooth decay and you’re not sure about the type of filling to get, this article might be able to help. We’ve detailed the most commonly used dental filling materials and their various benefits and disadvantages.

Keep reading to make an informed choice to ensure your general dental wellbeing.

What Are Dental Fillings?

When you have a cavity, your dentist removes the decayed part of your tooth and replaces it with dental fillings. These are combinations of various materials, including metal, glass, or plastic, to help restore your decayed tooth. 

Sometimes dentists also use dental fillings to repair cracked and broken teeth or teeth worn down because of excessive grinding or nail-biting.

What’s the Tooth Filling Process Like?

Tooth filling doesn’t take place until your decayed tooth has been treated. Usually, your dentist numbs the area around your cavity with local anesthesia and removes the decay from your tooth. Afterward, the cavity space is thoroughly cleaned of debris and bacteria.

Only when the cavity is clean does your dentist fill it in. The filling is usually applied in layers, and a special light helps to harden each layer of material. Once the process is over, your dentist shaves off any excess material and polishes the final result.

Types of Dental Fillings

There are several dental filling materials available in today’s market. Depending on the intensity and location of your decay, and your insurance coverage, your dentist will recommend a dental filling best suited for your teeth.

Dental filling materials include:

●     Gold

●     Silver Amalgam

●     Ceramic

●     Composite Resin

●     Glass Ionomer

Talk to your dentist about the options available to you and make an informed decision on your choice of fillings. All of the materials listed above are used in standard dental practices, and they each have various benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of them.

The Pros & Cons of Different Dental Fillings

Gold Fillings

Gold fillings boast durability and can last for ten to fifteen years. They do not corrode easily and can withstand harsher chewing habits. Gold fillings are entirely safe, especially with gold being the most biocompatible material used by humans. Lots of people also find gold fillings more aesthetically appealing than silver amalgam or tooth-colored fillings.

On the other hand, gold fillings are very expensive and can cost up to ten times more than silver amalgam fillings. They must be prepared by a skilled dental technician; otherwise, they could be too abrasive to the opposing teeth. Some people consider gold fillings to be tacky or flashy and would prefer more subdued tones to their fillings. If you prefer practicality over aesthetics, gold fillings may not be the right choice for you.

Silver Amalgam Fillings

Besides silver, amalgam fillings contain minerals like zinc, copper, tin, and mercury. Silver amalgam fillings are a popular choice among patients as they’re strong, long-lasting, and cost less than other options. Silver amalgam fillings are just as durable as gold fillings and last from ten to fifteen years. They also outlast composite fillings which are more expensive.

However, silver amalgam fillings have their share of disadvantages. Silver doesn’t easily blend in with the rest of your tooth, so it isn’t the best choice for filling in visible teeth, like incisors or canines. The amalgam material responds to changes in temperature by expanding and contracting more frequently than other materials. These fluctuations can cause your teeth to crack or fracture, leading to an increased risk of cavity formation. Some patients can also be allergic to the components found in the amalgam, which makes silver fillings not the best choice for them.

Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain and are highly durable, lasting for up to fifteen years. They can cost just as much as gold fillings, but they provide the most natural look and feel to your teeth. Ceramic fillings are tooth-colored. So if you want it to look like you never had a cavity in the first place, ceramic fillings are the way to go. You don’t have to worry about chewing too hard with ceramic fillings. They can withstand abrasions and stains better than composite resin fillings.

Ceramic fillings may not be the right choice for a small cavity. Porcelain can be brittle and vulnerable and is prone to break if it’s not layered in bulk into a large enough cavity. As a result, your dentist has to enlarge the space of your cavity and remove parts of your tooth to place the fillings. Talk to your dentist about whether ceramic fillings are the best choice for your teeth.

Composite Resin Fillings

Composite resin fillings are created using plastic and resin materials and are placed inside your tooth when they’re still soft. Your dentist then uses a bright curing light to harden the filling.

Composite fillings can easily bond with your tooth structure, providing further support for your tooth. They have versatile uses and can also be used to repair chipped or broken teeth. Composite filling materials can also be mixed to match the color of your teeth so it doesn’t stand out in your mouth. Their affordability is what makes composite fillings a popular choice amongst many patients.

On the other hand, composite fillings do not boast the long-lasting durability of gold or silver amalgam fillings. They need to be replaced within five to ten years, which can be quite a hassle for some people. They’re also the weakest filling materials and can be prone to frequent wear. Over time, they lose their stain resistance and turn into the color of the foods you eat frequently.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are made from a combination of glass and acrylics and are usually used for fillings below the gum line, and for young children with growing baby teeth. They release fluoride into your tooth, which can help protect it from further decay. They cost just as much as composite resin and their natural tooth-colored look and feel make them blend in with the rest of your teeth.

If you’re looking for fillings that last a long time, glass ionomer fillings may not be for you. They usually need to be replaced within five years. Glass ionomer fillings are also weaker than composite fillings and highly susceptible to wear and tear. They can cause cracks and fractures within your tooth, leading to further pain and decay.

How to Choose the Right Filling?

Now you know the various advantages and disadvantages of tooth filling materials. Talk to your dentist about the status of your cavity, your budget, safety standards, and aesthetic considerations, and make an informed decision about the type of dental filling you’d like to have.

At Gateway Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, we take exceptional care of your teeth. Our team of professionals is friendly and skilled and offers only the latest in dental filling techniques and technology. From dental implants to general family dentistry, we provide a range of dental services to meet our patients’ needs. Book your appointment with us today! You can give us a call at (615) 610-1377 or get in touch with us online.