Most people have at least a couple fillings in their oral cavity. When you go for a dental checkup, the dental practitioner checks your entire mouth. Areas examined include your teeth, bone, gums, tissues, as well as existing fillings. The dental practitioner also looks for telltale signs of decay, such as brown or black spots and may want to use radiographs to take a closer look at problem spots.
If you have a cavity in your dentition, your dentist may keep an eye on it or fill it right away. If a large hole or cavity is not attended to and restored, it will eventually get bigger and cause pain. At that point a root canal or extraction may be the only options. This is another reason why it is important to visit your dentist regularly.
Dental fillings functions to restore cavities and bring a damaged tooth back to its original function. These fillings plug the holes in our teeth associated with by decay and tooth wear, ensuring teeth are healthy and can continue operating without further decay progression or becoming a bigger issue.
There are some different types of dental fillings, and your dentist will discuss which is best for you relies on the location of the restoration in your oral cavity, the extent of the repair, whether you have any form of allergies, and your budget and some other factors.
Composite Fillings
As one of the standard filling material used in dentistry, composite fillings consist of acrylic resin and finely ground glasslike particles. This creates the most natural appearance for your dental filling. Composite fillings provide durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-sized restorations that withstand moderate chewing pressure. These fillings are very good, if placed well and can last many years. When a filling gets too large, a crown may be indicated.
Amalgam Fillings
Throughout history, this was one of the most popular treatment options. Amalgam (or silver) fillings in combination with silver, copper, tin and mercury to create a secure and stable filling material. This is due to its durability, ease of use, highly resistant to wear and relatively cheap if compared with other materials. These Amalgam fillings are good for restoring deep, large fillings, especially in spot where visibility is not a major concern.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are tooth colored and quickly bond with tooth tissue. They slowly release a fluoride over time to help prevent decay under and around the filling. These material appear natural, as they can easily be made to match your tooth color, but they are not recommended for load-bearing teeth as they can wear comfortably.
Gold Inlays & Onlays
Gold fillings are custom made in a laboratory before being cemented into place. They work excellently with the gingiva and are a long lasting restoration if cared for properly.
