Sometimes, when a tooth is decayed, chipped or broken, you do not have to have it removed. You can seek other alternatives such as dental fillings. Dental fillings are meant to cover the gaps left when decay or accidents chips it away. You may also opt for dental fillings when aesthetics are important and this happens with teeth that are more conspicuous.
Your dentist will evaluate the problem and determine if you need dental fillings. There may be situations that may call for the tooth to be extracted. The damage on your teeth may be too extensive for it to be filled.
Types of dental fillings
There are several types of dental fillings that you could opt for this includes:
Amalgam Fillings
This is the most popular option for those seeking tooth fillings. It has been used for close to 100 years and it is still popular to date. It consists of several metals such as silver tin and copper. It is also the cheapest option available.
Pros:
- Cost: They are the cheapest option available and are the number one choice for those who are concerned about cost.
- Strength: They are strong thanks to the materials they are made of.
- Easy: You only need to visit the dentist once and the procedure will be completed in a single session.
- Sensitivity: They are not as sensitive to moisture as other filling options.
Cons:
- Aesthetics: They do not match the color of the teeth and can be conspicuous, making some people self conscious.
- Discoloration: They can also lose their color making them unsuitable for people concerned about aesthetics and people looking to restore their smile.
- Mercury: Concerns have been raised about mercury fillings and its long term effect. Others are concerned about an allergic reaction to the metal.
Composite Fillings
This type of filling is made from glass quartz or resin. It is usually the exact same color as the tooth. It is considered ideal for people looking to restore the aesthetic appeal of their smiles.
There are two types of composite fillings, direct and indirect fillings. Direct fillings are done by the dentist in one session. The dental expert uses a bright light to mould the material into place. Indirect fillings may take two session. In the first session the dentist will analyze the gap that needs to be filled and prepare a suitable filling for it. The process will be completed on a second visit.
Pros:
- Aesthetics: The most aesthetically suitable filling material. The filling cannot be discerned by the naked eye.
- Easy: No drilling is required as the filling fits into place. Additionally the procedure can be done in one sitting.
- Bonding: It is strong because it bonds more closely and perfectly into the gap.
- Strength: Can be used with other materials to make it even stronger.
Cons:
- Costly: It is more expensive than Amalgam fillings.
- Take Longer to place: The procedure may take longer for your dentist because the fillings have to be placed in layers. This increases its cost and the time it takes requires your patience.
Cast Gold
This is often made of a gold alloy. It can be used for inlays, crowns and onlays.
Pros:
- Strong: It is very strong and is considered to be much stronger than Amalgam fillings.
- Durable: They last for more than 15 years.
- Aesthetics: The color of gold – though conspicuous – is considered by some to be more suitable than the silver amalgam fillings.
Cons:
- Expensive: They are expensive due to the cost of material used. They can be more than 6 times more expensive than silver amalgam.
- Color: They can be very conspicuous and this is a problem for some people.
Porcelain
They are made of porcelain and can be used for inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns etc.
Pros:
- Aesthetics: They made of material which looks like the tooth.
- Stain: They do lose color as easily as amalgam fillings
Cons:
- Weak: They are not as strong as Amalgam or composite fillings.
There is no option that can be said to be better than the other. People choose the filling options based on their needs and preferences. Also cost can be a major factor for those seeking cheaper alternatives.