Which Tooth Filling Is Safest?

A dental filling is a common procedure for treating tooth decay and cavities. The procedure involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and then filling the area where the decayed material was removed with a filling material.

Dental fillings in South Hadley, MA, also repair teeth damages like cracks and breaks. The procedure stops further damage to the tooth and restores the tooth’s strength and function.

Types of Dental Filling Materials

There are several types of materials you can use for your dental filling procedure. The suitable material for you will depend on your condition, budget, preferences, and dentist recommendations. It’s best to discuss the safety of your filling material with your dentist.

• Amalgam fillings

Dental amalgam is among the oldest and most popular dental filling materials. Amalgam fillings are also called mercury amalgam fillings or silver fillings. The filling contains an alloy of metals like silver, tin, copper, and about 50% mercury. Their metallic composition makes amalgam fillings extremely strong, durable, and inexpensive.

The main downside of amalgam fillings is that it has a silver appearance, which is highly noticeable, and don’t blend with your natural teeth. Similarly, concerns have emerged about the safety of amalgam mercury fillings.

Therefore, there may be better dental fillings than these. Amalgam fillings also respond to extreme temperature changes like heat and cold, which can damage your tooth.

Pros

• Durable: It can last for 10 – 15 years or longer.
• Strong: They can withstand tremendous forces of chewing and grinding foods.
• Inexpensive: Silver fillings are less expensive than tooth-colored fillings.

Cons

• Poor aesthetics
• Respond to temperature changes
• Some people experience allergies
• There are health concerns about silver amalgam fillings
• They can cause tooth discoloration

• Gold fillings

Like amalgam fillings, gold fillings are extremely strong and durable to withstand many years of chewing. Therefore, they are best suited for posterior teeth. The gold filling contains a combination of gold and an alloy of metals like tin.

Pros

• Durable. It can last for more than 15 years.
• Very strong
• Aesthetics. Some patients find the gold appearance pleasing, while others don’t.

Cons

• Aesthetics. Gold fillings don’t have a natural tooth color, which some people do not like.
• Expensive. Gold fillings are about ten times more expensive than amalgam fillings.
• Multiple visits. Require at least two office visits to install.
• Galvanic shock. Placing a gold filling next to a silver amalgam filling can result in sharp pain (galvanic shock)—the shock from the interaction of saliva and metals that generates an electric current.

• Tooth-colored Composite fillings

You can customize tooth-colored composite fillings to match your natural teeth, giving you a natural smile. They pose less strength and durability than other fillings. They are best suited for restorations in front teeth or teeth that are visible. Placing composite fillings requires minor tooth preparation compared to amalgam and other fillings.

Pros

• Great aesthetics
• Resist stains
• Requires less tooth preparation
• You can install it in a single appointment.
• You can use composite resin material to repair tooth damage like chips, cracks, and breaks.

Cons

• Less strong and can easily chip or break.
• Less durable: Composite fillings only last for about 5 – 7 years.
• Lengthy procedure: Since composite fillings are applied in layers, they may take longer to place than amalgam fillings.
• Expensive: Composite fillings can be up to two times more expensive than amalgam fillings.

• Ceramic fillings

Ceramic fillings are your best option if you’re looking for great aesthetics, strength, and durability. Ceramic fillings contain porcelain material. You can use them for both front and back restorations.

Pros

• Strong and durable. It can last for more than 20 years.
• Resist damage and staining better than composite fillings
• Great aesthetics

Cons

• Expensive: They can be as costly as gold fillings
• Require multiple appointments

• Glass ionomer

Glass ionomer fillings contain special glass and acrylic materials. The filling release fluoride, which strengthens and protect teeth from decay and damage. There are temporary fillings for baby teeth—however, adults can also use them. The main downside of glass ionomer fillings is that they are less durable and more susceptible to damage than composite resin.

Are you interested in cavity fillings in South Hadley, MA? For more information about dental fillings and other restoration treatments, contact South Hadley Dental Group to book your appointment today.