Most Common Dental Filling Options
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1 September 2022

Most Common Dental Filling Options

Cavities are the most common dental problems across age groups. Owing to our eating habits and lack of hygienic dental care tooth damage has become quite common. From teenagers to adults everybody is prone to cavities.  

 

Initially, tooth extraction was the only remedy but now there have been many advancements in the field of dentistry. A dental filling is a treatment given to cavities in their early stage.  

 

What is Dental Filling? 

 

Dental filling is the treatment given to cavities by removing the damaged part of the tooth and filling it with a suitable material. Many people think the filling is the treatment for only cavities but it is also a solution for broken or cracked teeth. This procedure also prevents the tooth from further decaying.  

 

There are different materials used for filling the hollow tooth. Depending upon the choice and requirements the fillings can be chosen. 

 

Different Types of Dental Fillings 

 

  1. Silver Amalgam Filling: This filling is not completely silver but an amalgamation of different metals like mercury, copper, tin, and silver. Many parts of this mixture consist of mercury which is the most common filling. This is durable and cost-effective. However, this is sometimes not preferred for its color as it does not blend into the color of the tooth. Since it is silver there are chances of the filling turning black. This is not generally used for visible teeth. 
  2. Ceramic Dental Fillings: The ceramic fillings are made of porcelain. This material is hard and long-lasting. It is the most preferable as it can be colored and blended into the color of the teeth. These fillings need more than one sitting and are relatively expensive. The material and its resistance to abrasion is the most striking feature of this filling. Hence, it is the most commonly preferred filling.
  3. Composite Dental Filling: This filling is made of silica, plastic, glass, and ceramic mixed with a resin base. The color of the mixture is adjusted by the dentist to suit the color of the tooth. This filling bonds with the tooth structure and requires a longer time. However, this is not a durable option and needs to be redone after 7 to 8 years. This might slight discoloration after a certain period of time. This is also slightly expensive compared to other amalgam fillings.
  4. Gold Fillings: This is not the most common one as it is quite expensive. The filling is an alloy of gold and other metal including copper. It is durable and resistant to abrasion. It prevents further damage to the tooth and also does not change color over time. The only downside to this filling is that it is very expensive and might require many sittings at the dentist. 

 

Though most of these fillings are long-lasting and durable they require proper care and maintenance. Patients are advised to stay away from sugary drinks and liquids. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and regular cleansing with a proper mouthwash is important.