A guide to different types of dental fillings

Tooth decay is common, and the best dentist in New Britain CT can treat it efficiently. When you reach a dentist to get your dental cavity treated, the dentist takes out the decaying part and fills the void with a special material, known as a dental filling. The procedure of dental filling is also used when filling a gap in your teeth or broken teeth repair.

There are different types of dental filling materials used to fill a gap, crack, or cavity. The type of filling chosen for the treatment depends on a range of factors, including the extent of decay, budget, dentist’s recommendation, and more. Some of the common types of dental filling materials include:

  • Gold filling:

Cast gold filling is an expensive filling but a very durable one. A filling will last at least 10-15 years. It is very sturdy, and any type of chewing pressure does not affect it. Gold filling is also aesthetically appealing, but the high price often remains a constraint. There are some shortcomings of this filling, such as at least two visits to the dental care clinic center, and painful experience if there is already a silver filling next to the gold filling.

Also known as amalgams, silver fillings are less expensive than gold fillings. They are also a durable and sturdy option. However, silver fillings aren’t aesthetically pleasing as it discolors easily. It can also cause allergic reactions.

  • Composites:

Composites are tooth-colored material that is most commonly used for dental fillings. They offer great bonding with the tooth structure. They can be used for filling the teeth, repairing chipped, and broken teeth. However, they aren’t very durable and also need more chair tome for the process to complete.

  • Ceramics:

Ceramics are becoming popular lately. This material is resistant to staining and lasts somewhere near 15 years. However, it is expensive and may cost you a similar price of gold filling. 

  • Glass ionomers:

A combination of acrylic and glass material is used for this type of filling. It is usually used in filling the teeth of children. They also release fluoride, which helps in preventing further tooth decay. 

These are some of the options available for a dental filling. You must always consult your family dentist New Britain and ask for the best option. The dentist will check your dental condition and offer you the option that best suits your dental requirements, budget, and more.