What Is the Safest Dental Filling Material?
For more than one century, dentists have used fillings made from amalgam or silver. These fillings contain 50 percent mercury with other metals such as zinc, copper, and tin that make up the additional percentage. Fillings made from amalgam have been considered the best option for dental fillings for a long time. This is because they are durable and affordable. In addition, these fillings can last for longer years with proper care. But recently, there has been a debate about silver fillings whether fillings containing mercury are safe for patients. Also, if there are alternatives to silver fillings, read this guide to know the safest type of dental filling.
Steps Involved in Filling Tooth
To your cavity, our dentist in Globe will first administer local anesthesia to numb the area to be filled. Next, they’ll use a drill, laser, or air abrasion instrument to remove the decayed part. The choice of instrument will depend on your dentist’s training, comfort level, investment in the particular piece of equipment, and the extent and location of decay.
Next, your dentist will test the area to determine if all decay has been eliminated. Once all the decay has been eliminated, your dentist will prepare the site to fill by cleaning the cavity of debris and bacteria. If your decay is near the root, the dentist might first put a liner glass ionomer or composite resin to protect the nerve. After the filling is in your mouth, the dentist will finish and polish it.
Several additional steps will be required for tooth-colored fillings. This is as follows. The tooth-colored filling is applied in layers after your dentist has removed the decay and cleaned the area. A special light will then be used to harden each layer applied. Next, the dentist shapes the material to the desired results when the layering is complete. They’ll also trim off excess material and polish the final restoration.
Different Types of Dental Fillings
Several dental fillings materials are available in Copper Vista Dental Care in Globe, AZ. They include:
Silver Amalgam Fillings
Silver fillings are a popular filling. However, these fillings contain more than silver. It’s a combination of other materials, including tin, copper, zinc, and mercury. It is sturdy, less pricey, and long-lasting. A silver filling can last up to 12 years with proper care. Also, it’s malleable. Making dentists find it easy to use.
However, it has a drawback since it’s not aesthetically pleasing, so it’s not the best choice for a front or visible tooth. The material can also respond to temperature changes by expanding and contracting, causing the tooth to crack.
Ceramic Fillings
These filings are created using porcelain material. This makes it both cosmetically appealing and durable. Ceramic fillings cost more than other dental fillings, but they resist stains, are tooth-colored, and abrasion better than composite resin.
The drawback of using these fillings over composite fillings is that it’s more brittle. Because of this, it has to be used on large cavities to prevent breakage.
Composite Fillings
A composite filling is made from resin and plastic material. Your dentist places it inside your tooth while it is soft and hardens it with a bright curing light. It’s a standard option since it can be customized to match the color of your teeth. However, these fillings are not as long-lasting as other types of fillings. They can last up to five to 10 years, after which you might require a replacement.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass Ionomer Fillings are made from a mix of acrylic and glass. They are used by children whose teeth are still forming. They release fluoride into the child’s teeth to prevent further decay.
However, these fillings can only last for a few years since they are weaker than composite fillings. Also, they are bound to wear out or crack.
Gold Fillings
Gold filling is one of the most long-lasting and durable options. Gold fillings can remain effective for more than two decades by practicing proper oral hygiene. But the durability comes with a price. Gold is among the most expensive dental fillings. In addition, they’re indirect fillings making you spend more time in your dentist’s office to receive one.
If you’re thinking of getting a filling, talk to your filling’s dentist near you. They’ll help you choose the correct dental filling for you.