Different Types of Dental Fillings

Different Types of Dental Fillings

If you are dealing with a decayed tooth, then you are in need of a dental restoration procedure. To make sure the tooth is healthy, the dentist will first have to remove any damaged tissue from the tooth and disinfect the area to make sure there are no more bacteria.

But, after cleaning the tooth, you are left with a cavity or even a hole. To address this, a dental filling is added on top to fill the gap, and restore the function of your tooth. Dental fillings can match the color of your teeth perfectly, so you don’t have to worry about the fillings showing up when you smile or open your mouth.

These days, patients have a lot of different options when it comes to dental fillings, all with their list of pros and cons. In this blog post, we’ll discuss two of the most common types of fillings, and help you decide which one might be better for you.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings contain a combination of different minerals such as silver, zinc, copper, and even mercury. The filling is quite malleable and sturdy, also highly affordable, which makes it a very popular choice.

The major drawback here is that amalgam fillings are quite visible thanks to their metallic hue, so they are not that desirable, especially for teeth near the front of the mouth. But apart from aesthetics, amalgam fillings can also contract and expand because of temperature, which can lead to teeth cracking over time.

Composite Fillings

These fillings are made from resin and plastic material. The filling is quite soft when placed on the tooth, and hardened with a bright curing light. Patients prefer this type of filling because the shade can be customized to match the natural color of the teeth, and perfectly blend in.

They are also quite sturdy and can last as long as 10 years with the right care.

Which One Is for You?

At Ironwood Dental, we generally recommend composite fillings to all our patients. Not only can it perfectly blend in with the rest of your teeth and not draw attention to them, but you don’t run the risk of cracking your tooth because of temperature changes down the line.

With amalgam fillings, there is also the possibility of new gaps forming as a result of these fluctuations, which can allow new cavities to form over time. From experience, we’ve seen much better results with composite fillings.

Need to Take Care of a Cavity?

The sooner you address a cavity, the better because you will prevent more tooth tissue from degrading. If you have an infected tooth and need to get it fixed, Ironwood Dental is here to assist you with expert dental services and a caring approach.

Book an appointment with Dr. Jonathan Spurgeon and let us help you fix your tooth and restore your smile.