Dental fillings are substances that are used to restore decayed teeth and make them whole again. When your tooth gets decayed, the dentist will have to remove the decay, clean the inside of the tooth and make it bacteria proof.
After all these procedures, the tooth will not look and feel complete. If teeth are left like these, there is a danger of breaking the tooth because it is hollow and cannot take the pressure of chewing and also there is a danger of exposing the roots to bacterial damage and decay unless it is filled again with dental fillings, and made whole and solid again.
If a cavity is not filled with dental filling material, it can wreak havoc with your dental health. An empty hole in your tooth can lead to gingivitis and gum disease in addition to severe pain from decay, and will ultimately lead to loss of your tooth.
Which is the best dental filling?
Dental fillings come in a variety of materials. Each kind of dental filling has its advantages and disadvantages. depending on your need your dentist will suggest appropriate dental filling for your teeth restoration. Each dental filling has one or more qualities that differ from others. But different people have different needs and they choose their fillings based on their needs and the cost.
When you are considering dental fillings, it is better to go over the choices you have before deciding on any one with your dentist. The dental fillings vary in their look, their qualities and their price. Also, different fillings have different duration of being in place, some last for as long as 15 years or more, and some lasts for 5 years or less. So, you need to know the variety of materials, their costs and their utility before you decide on any one that is best for you.
Different kinds of dental filling materials
A variety of materials are used to make dental fillings to suit every need and every pocket. There are simple dental fillings as well as complex. Some fillings come in ready to use form, whereas others have to be mixed and used.
Direct fillings, as the name suggest, are used directly by the dentist to fill the cavity. In indirect fillings, the dentist mixes the elements in the package and prepares the filling in his office.
Still others are made to order, which requires the exact measurement of the tooth to be filled in, and then the custom-made filling can be inserted into the cavity by the dentist.
These are basic choices for the patient to consider. But even in direct fillings, there are choices of basic material used. It would help if you are aware of what is available to make your choice apt for your needs. The most common materials used for dental fillings are gold, amalgam, composite, porcelain and resin glass ionomer.
Gold
Gold is a very good dental filling material. It is very durable and long lasting, may last for a lifetime. Gold fillings do not stain. These are indirect fillings and are made to order according to what size and shape is required by the patient’s tooth.
Composite
These are very popular among dental fillings and used all over the world for all categories of patients. These fillings are composed of quartz material in resin or in glass. Composite dental filling works best for small or medium sized cavity and when a person is not very old, who gets a lot of chewing pressure on the teeth. Composite dental fillings are also easier to install because it requires less drilling work since composite can be bonded to teeth surface easily. The bonded composite fillings lasts longer and an added advantage is that it can be matched to the colour of teeth nearly perfectly. These are more expensive than amalgam but less expensive than porcelain and gold.
Porcelain
These are ceramic indirect fillings and are made to order, and require more than one visit to the dentist’s office to be installed. These are very popular dental fillings because it resembles the texture of the teeth and can be matched to the colour of the patient’s teeth, and give natural appearance. Porcelain fillings are more expensive than resin-based fillings but less so than gold.
Amalgam
These dental fillings are affordable and suits every pocket. Dentists have been using this filling for many decades now. They are made of silver, copper, mercury, and tin. Most people who are looking for a long-lasting dental filling with reasonable costs settle for amalgam fillings.
Resin and glass ionomer
Resin or glass ionomer dental fillings are not as sturdy as other fillings, therefore it is a better option for patients who do not require a lot of chewing, like children who have primary teeth but may have developed cavities. These fillings are used for adults who have smaller areas of cavities to fill. Also, this filling is placed on teeth which do not undergo a lot of chewing pressure.
These are the broad categories. You have multiple options when it comes to choosing the right kind of dental filling which is most suitable for your particular need keeping in mind your budget. There is no best or worst filling as such, because each individual has different body type and different make of the arrangement of teeth and looks. It is always better to discuss all aspects of the options available with your dentist before you decide on what is most appropriate dental filling available for your needs.
If fillings are not enough
Dental fillings are a great way to fix cavities, but they often come with their own problems. For instance, if the filling is in your molar that you use for chewing food, then you can experience discomfort when biting down on certain foods or drinking cold beverages. The good news is there’s an alternative solution– dental crowns.
Dental crowns are artificial tooth-shaped caps that cover your natural teeth and provide extra protection against both decay and injury. They’re made of durable materials like porcelain, metal alloys (such as gold), or ceramic which make them strong enough to withstand higher forces than other types of dentures– making them perfect for protecting your teeth from wear and tear caused by everyday activities.
However, get a consultation with your dentist to decide which treatment is best suited for your problems. If the issue is relatively minor, fillings may be the best option.
