Dental fillings are among the most common dental procedures in any dentist’s office.
Your dentist might tell you that you need a dental filling if they notice a cavity inside your tooth. Some of the common symptoms of tooth cavities include toothache, tooth sensitivity, or holes in or discoloration on your teeth.
In this article, our dental experts at Most Dental in Las Vegas, Nevada, explain more about the different materials used for dental fillings.
Materials Used for Dental Fillings
Dentistry now offers a wide variety of materials that can be used for filling cavities. Some of the most common ones include:
- Cast-Gold Fillings
These fillings are known for their non-corrosive attributes and durability. However, gold fillings can also be expensive and may require additional visits to the dentist.
- Silver Amalgams
These fillings are less expensive than gold fillings and durable. However, their placement may require a more invasive procedure that includes removing healthy parts of the tooth.
Silver amalgam fillings can also expand or contract when in contact with hot or cold foods and drinks. This aspect rarely causes cracks in the filling but it may cause discoloration in the surrounding tooth structure.
- Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
This type of filling is the best for a seamless restoration as the color of the filling matches that of the natural tooth. The material also provides further support to the tooth structure and can be used to repair chipped or broken teeth.
However, tooth-colored composite fillings are less durable than gold or silver amalgam fillings.
- Ceramic
Ceramic or porcelain is durable and resistant to stains. However, ceramic fillings can be quite expensive.
- Glass Ionomer
This type of filling is made from acrylic and a special kind of glass material. It protects the teeth by releasing fluoride and is typically used for fillings in very young children.
Glass ionomer fillings are less durable and more prone to cracks than other types of fillings.
Which Dental Filling Material Is Best for You?
It is important to remember that the dental filling suitable for you will depend on the location and extent of your cavity, the cost of the filling material, and what your dentist recommends.
To learn more about dental fillings and which one is suitable for you, call Most Dental at (702) 871-0304 or visit us at 6392 W Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas 89146.