Before we get into our discussion of the materials used for dental fillings, it is important to know what they are used for. Fillings are used to replace parts of teeth that have been affected by cavities, cracks, or damage from nail-biting or teeth grinding. There are various materials that fillings are made of. Read on to learn more about each material and the various combinations of materials used. Consult with your dentist to determine which filling material is best for you.
Gold fillings will last approximately 10 to 15 years. However, gold is more expensive than other materials used for dental fillings. It may also take more time to place than other types of fillings, requiring more than one visit to the dentist.
Like gold fillings, silver dental fillings can last at least 10 to 15 years. They are also less expensive than composite fillings. However, silver amalgam fillings can sometimes require more tooth surfaces to be removed in order to create enough space to hold the filling in the correct place. It also turns the surrounding tooth surface gray. Silver fillings can also increase the risk of tooth cracking and fracturing because of a wider degree of expansion and contraction. Additionally, some people may have an allergic reaction to silver fillings.
One of the unique things about composite fillings is that they can closely match the shade of your existing teeth, therefore offering a more natural look than gold or silver fillings. Composite fillings are bonded to the surface of the existing tooth, which provides more support than other materials. Composites are often used for tooth repair that does not involve cavities. Sometimes composite dental fillings require less tooth removal than silver fillings can. However, composite fillings only last up to five years, and they can also chip your teeth, depending on the location of the filling. Composite fillings can be twice as expensive as silver fillings, and they require multiple dental visits in order to be placed.
Ceramic and porcelain dental fillings can last more than 15 years, which is longer than the lifespan of most other fillings. Ceramics and porcelain are also more stain-resistant than composite fillings. However, one downside of ceramic and porcelain dental fillings is that they can cost as much as gold fillings.
Glass ionomer fillings are most likely to be used for fillings that are below the gum line. This type of filling releases fluoride that helps prevent future cavities and tooth decay. Glass ionomers are weaker than composite fillings and more susceptible to wear and fractures. They only last five years at most. Glass ionomers cost about the same as composites.
There are a variety of options for dental fillings to repair cavities and other types of tooth decay and damage. Consult your dentist to determine the best option for you.
Request an appointment here: http://www.drmccawley.com or call James R McCawley DDS at (615) 526-2497 for an appointment in our Murfreesboro office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Fillings in Murfreesboro, TN.
Dental fillings are one of the oldest known methods of dental restoration. Dentists have been placing dental fillings for years as a way to stop damage and restore an unhealthy tooth. However, as modern dentistry has begun to take over, certain types of dental fillings are beginning to die out. Silver dental fillings were originally made…
Millions of dental filling procedures are done yearly in the United States. With it being so common, there are bound to be times when fillings will come loose, crack, or dislodge from the tooth. You may be wondering what the symptoms are and what to do if it happens to you.Dental fillings, also called restorations,…
A skilled cosmetic dentist can take a smile that you are not confident in and transform it into something radiant. Whether you are self-conscious about the shade of your teeth or how they sit in your mouth, know that you do not have to live with blemishes and imperfections forever. A cosmetic dentist can help…
Dental bridges are a common treatment offered by a cosmetic dentist. This is because they can do so much to improve your smile and make you feel confident about yourself. If you have been looking for a cosmetic dentist, be sure to ask them about dental bridges. A cosmetic dentist can do so much with…
When there is an obstruction in the airway during sleep that results in loud sounds, snoring treatment from a dentist may be beneficial. Nearly everyone snores at some point, but for some individuals, it is a chronic problem. Although surgery may be recommended for severe cases, there are also oral devices that can reduce the…
Many dental patients find themselves needing a wisdom tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth, the third and last set of molars, usually erupt in a person’s late teens or early 20s. While some patients will have no problems with their wisdom teeth, these molars often become problematic and cause issues that require extraction.It is important for dental…