TYPES OF CAVITY FILLINGS – ELITE DENTAL CARE TRACY
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18 January 2021

TYPES OF CAVITY FILLINGS – ELITE DENTAL CARE TRACY

Teeth are the most valued asset of a human body because once you lose your natural teeth, they do not regrow. Also, the mouth is the prime entry point for germs in the body. Therefore it is necessary to foster dental health with the utmost care.

Being addicted to fast food, sweet candies, chocolates and carbonated drinks, we tend to be careless with our oral health. These sugary pieces of stuff increase the acidic level in our mouth and stimulate the growth of bacteria and plaque buildup in the mouth. The tooth enamel gets eroded forming holes or openings called cavities. These cavities penetrate the internal tissues of the tooth, namely dentin and pulp, creating a canal. Eventually, they weaken the gums and circumstance for tooth extraction arises.
To prevent the further decay of a tooth, dental procedures like root canal and dental fillings are used.

What is a dental filling?
A dental filling is an artificial substance, and as the name goes, it is used to fill the gaps in the enamel of decayed, damaged or chipped tooth. These fillings help the teeth restore their normal function and prevent further decay.

Why are the dental fillings used?
• To fill the gaps in the enamel created by cavities
• To prevent the dental cavity from penetrating the inner tissues of teeth
• To protect the tooth that is damaged or broken from the decay
• To restore the normal function of worn out teeth
• To restore the teeth damaged due to grinding

What are the types of dental fillings?
Dental fillings are composed of diverse materials like gold, amalgam, metal, composites, ceramic or glass ionomer.

Gold Fillings
Gold dental fillings are highly durable ones lasting for 20 years without being corroded. These can withstand high pressure on the teeth while chewing hard substances. Though expensive, people prefer gold fillings to add a rich charm to their smile.

Silver Amalgam Fillings
Amalgams are the alloys formed by the interaction of two or more metals with mercury. Amalgam fillings are the classic ones that have been in use right from the past. They are also quite durable lasting for around 10 to 15 years and withstand strong forces. Compared to the gold fillings, these are little inexpensive ones. These fillings require large space, and hence healthy parts of the tooth are also removed. Though inexpensive, they are prone to fractures, do not bond easily with the teeth and also do not match the aesthetics of a natural tooth, and hence people are switching to other alternatives.

Tooth-colored Composite Fillings
The biggest advantage of tooth colored composites as the name goes is that they match with the color of the natural teeth. This builds confidence in people to speak and smile in public without being hesitant about their dental fillings. They are composed of glass or quartz, moderately durable and mostly preferred for the front teeth or the visible portions of the teeth. These fillings micro mechanically bond to the tooth providing good support. They are comparatively expensive and last for around 5-10 years.

Ceramic Fillings
Made of porcelain, ceramic fillings are durable and aesthetically good. These fillings do not stain but are prone to breakage if used in small size. Hence to avoid the fractures, large ceramic structures must be used covering wider portions of the tooth. Ceramic fillings are quite expensive and preferred as inlays and outlays.

Glass Ionomer Fillings
A blend of glass and acrylic is used that releases fluoride to protect the teeth. These filings are typically preferred for below the gum line and also in the children. When compared with the other types, glass ionomer fillings are less durable and are prone to cracks, breaks and fractures. These are preferred for children because their teeth change, and hence highly durable fillings are not required.

Compomers
Dental compomers are a combination of metal composites and glass ionomers. They are combined to bring out the qualities of both materials like the durability and aesthetics of dental composites and the ability of ionomers to release fluorides for a long time. Compomer is used as a cavity lining material or restorative material for non-load bearing cavities.

After Care for Dental Fillings
Soon after the dental filling is done, you may experience mild pain and sensitivity due to the procedures done, but this pain will vanish within a few hours. Do not be careless with your dental hygiene, otherwise, infections may occur when the filling is pulled away from the teeth causing a gap where the bacteria may reside. At The Elite Dental Care, we nurture your teeth well by placing durable dental fillings that protect your teeth longer without compromising on the aesthetics. Practise proper oral hygiene and stay cautious about your oral health.