Filling cavities, which are regions of tooth decay, is a standard procedure in dental care. The dentist initially cleans out the decayed portion of the tooth, leaving a hole or space.
After that, they will fill the gap to level out the tooth’s surface, ensuring that it feels secure in the mouth and protected from further deterioration.
When cavities are removed, five distinct types of materials are usually used to fill the empty spaces. Even though you don’t always have a choice, knowing each filling type’s benefits and drawbacks is crucial.
Learn more about dental fillings and where to find the best dental clinic in Manassas.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
This type of filling is the most widely used. A mixture of minerals known as silver amalgam contains 50% silver, 50% mercury, and 50% of each tin, zinc, copper, and copper.
The typical lifespan of a silver amalgam filling is 12 years. A dentist can also place silver amalgam with relative ease, and there are no concerns that saliva or blood would contaminate it.
Silver amalgam, however, has downsides. It is not aesthetically pleasing, which makes it a bad choice for a tooth that is highly visible. A fractured tooth could develop due to the material’s potential expansion and contraction over time.
Additionally, these variances might leave spaces where food debris and germs accumulate and cause new cavities between the filling and the tooth.
Combined Fillings
Composite fillings are placed in the cavity while it is still soft and is made of plastic and resin. The plastic and resin are then “cured” with intense blue light to make them harder.
As opposed to a silver amalgam filling, it can be tinted to match a person’s natural teeth, making it a popular alternative.
Composite fillings are less resilient than some other types. They need to be replaced typically every five to 10 years. They are also more expensive than silver.
Ceramic Fillers
These are made of porcelain and are sturdy and beautiful. Ceramic fillings are more pricey than other choices but more abrasion and stain resistant than composite resin and tooth-colored resin.
The disadvantage of ceramic is that it is more brittle than a composite, necessitating a larger piece to prevent it from breaking. This means the tooth’s surface area must be increased to meet the increased size. The common names for these ceramic fixes are inlays and onlays.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
For kids with developing teeth, these glass-and-acrylic fillings should be considered. Fluoride that they release may help halt future tooth decay.
Since they are weaker than composite resin and more likely to shatter or wear out, they only endure a few years. Composite resin resembles the teeth’ color more closely than conventional glass ionomers.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are expensive and uncommon. Finding a dentist offering gold as an alternative can sometimes be difficult. A dentist must also fit a gold filling throughout several visits. A gold filling can survive for more than 20 years because of its durability, resistance to corrosion, and extended lifespan of gold.
Conclusion
You must visit the best dentist in Manassas for dental restoration if you have tooth decay. The dentist will recommend the best filling to restore the tooth to its original shape. Dental fillings are a versatile and effective way to fight tooth decay and restore the health of a person’s teeth. Ultimately, the type of dental filling used is a decision that should be made between a patient and their dentist.
Manassas Smiles offers complete dental care services like cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, dental fillings, or gum disease treatment under one roof. Schedule an appointment today!