The great thing about dental fillings is you have options. If you're looking for a local dentist in Columbia, IL, check out this guide on dental filling types.

Did you know that one in four adults aged 20 to 64 has at least one cavity right now? Left untreated, cavities can cause pain that makes everyday necessities like eating and speaking difficult. Over time, they can even lead to serious infections.

If discovered early, most cavities can be treated with a routine filling. But what you may not realize is that there are several dental filling types to choose from.

These materials each have their strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to understand your options when you have a filling done.

To better understand which filling type is right for you, let's take a look at what getting a filling entails, the materials that you can use in a filling, and how they stack up against one another.

When Do You Need Dental Fillings?

Filling a tooth is one of the most common dental services performed, after routine cleanings. The procedure becomes necessary when a tooth decays to the point that a hole, called a cavity, forms in the tooth.

At first, many cavities are painless. That's how so many adults can have them without even realizing it. But over time, these tiny holes grow to the point that they can cause sensitivity, pain, and eventually infections or even loss of the tooth.

The most common cause of cavities is plaque, a sticky substance that builds up on the teeth. Plaque is a combination of saliva, food particles, acids, and bacteria.

With diligent brushing and flossing, you can remove plaque before it becomes an issue. But if you miss any pockets, the acid in plaque will start to wear down the shell of the enamel that protects your teeth. Bad habits like smoking or chewing ice can also help accelerate enamel loss.

When the enamel is weakened enough, cavities may form. The decay from these tiny holes can then spread, rotting the entire tooth or infecting the nerves and other tissues. When this happens, you can suffer severe pain and serious health issues.

That's why it's crucial to treat cavities as soon as they're found. This means drilling away the affected areas of the tooth and filling in the space with another material.

What Are the Different Dental Filling Types?

Several factors can influence what material is right for your dental fillings. Some, like appearance, are a matter of personal preference. Others, like cost and insurance coverage, are more substantial.

When you go in to have a filling done, your dentist should discuss your available options with you. Here are the key dental filling

materials they may offer you.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are one of the more common options. They're sometimes called silver fillings because the dental filling material is made from a mixture of silver, zinc, copper, and mercury.

They have the advantage of being quite durable. Amalgam fillings can last as long as 15 years before they need to be replaced, outlasting many other common materials.

They're often the material of choice for the teeth in the back of the mouth. These teeth take a lot of wear and tear when we chew, so the extra sturdiness is desirable. They're also among the cheaper materials, which is a major reason why they're so popular.

A downside of amalgam fillings is their appearance. They have a metallic, sometimes almost black, sheen to them. This makes them stand out against the off-white color of a natural tooth. They also tend to be quite large, requiring more healthy tooth material to be removed than would be necessary for other types of fillings.

Cast Gold Fillings

These fillings replace the portion of a lost tooth with gold. In terms of durability, they're about on par with amalgam fillings, lasting an average of 10-15 years. And as a bonus, gold doesn't corrode the way other common metals do, helping increase these fillings' lifespans.

Still quite noticeable, gold won't match the color of a tooth yet many patients find them more aesthetically pleasing than amalgam fillings. Their main drawback is that due to the material, gold fillings tend to be on the higher end of the expense scale.

Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings

Alongside amalgam, composite fillings tend to be the most popular option with patients. As the name suggests, these fillings are made from a combination of materials. There's usually a type of resin used as a base, with plastic materials to cover the tooth.

Their biggest appeal is the fact that they match the appearance of natural teeth better than any other material. This makes them ideal for filling cavities on the front teeth where an amalgam filling would be too visible.

The material they are made from also bonds to the natural structures of the tooth better than other materials. This helps support the filling and allows them to be implanted while removing less healthy tooth material than metal fillings.

Even with that added support, however, they tend not to last as long as amalgam or gold. They only last about five to ten years on average and are more susceptible to chips and cracks. They're also less than ideal for large cavities and don't hold up well against the repeated chewing forces that the back teeth experience.

Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings are a more durable alternative to tooth-colored composites. Like composites, they can match the color of your natural teeth. They're resistant to staining and are durable enough to last for 15 years or more.

The main downside is the expense. To fit these large fillings, the surface area of the tooth itself needs to be increased. The added labor can make ceramic fillings cost as much as gold.

Finding a Dentist in Columbia, IL

Above all else, finding a dentist you can trust is the most important factor in your treatment. Advanced Dental Care & Orthodontics is proud to offer care that you can count on.

Our dental professionals can cavities and other issues early, helping ensure a positive outcome. And when fillings are necessary, we can discuss in detail which dental filling types may be right for you.

If you suspect you may be living with a cavity, or even if you're just overdue for a checkup, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

< Older Post