It is never comforting to know you have dental cavities. You can feel more frustrated, especially if you brush and floss your teeth as recommended by specialists. Your dentist is likely to recommend a dental filling once they diagnose that you have a cavity. 

During the treatment, your dentist will excavate caries in the affected tooth, clean the area, and put some medicine in it. They will then fill the space with a dental filling of choice and smooth it out to ensure you have proper occlusion and biting surface.

Fillings are different and come with varying materials. Thus, it is ideal to differentiate the many types of dental fillings so that you can understand what options you have.

Amalgam Fillings

Dental amalgam fillings have worked for hundreds of years on dental patients globally. Dentists have relied on it for filling in cavities and fighting tooth decay for a long time. 

Dental amalgam is a combination of materials such as copper, mercury, silver, and tin. Mercury comprises half of the blend as the other materials constitute the rest of the mixture. The mercury used in the liquid state reacts by combining with the other metals in powder form. It creates an agent that your dentist can mold to fit in the hole left by the cavity to form and stay comfortable in your mouth. 

Dental amalgam fillings are silver in color because it comprises metals. Dentists have used this filling for many years because they are durable. They are also affordable for most patients. However, they can darken over time and are noticeable. If you want a filling to blend with your natural teeth, they may not give you what you want.

Composite Fillings

A composite filling is among the popular types used by most dental patients. Its material comprises powdered glass with acrylic resin applied to the cavity area of the affected tooth while in a semi-solid state. Your dentist then cures it using a bright light which changes its chemical composition to harden it. 

Most people prefer composite fillings because it matches the color of the affected tooth. However, they wear out fast, and your dentist may not advise it on teeth that get the most pressure from chewing.

Ceramic Filings 

Ceramic dental fillings are highly-priced as they are durable and aesthetically attractive. They are a good choice due to their color design and resistance to staining and abrasion.

Ceramic fillings are brittle. As a result, their input procedure is different. Your dentist will need to enlarge the space of the affected tooth. They do so to create enough room for the bulky filling.

Gold Fillings

Most dentists do not bring forward gold fillings as an option as they are expensive compared to other types of dental fillings. They can last for up to 15 years due to their high quality, and the gold does not corrode.

The only disadvantage of gold fillings is they need many dental visits to fit in the cavity space of the affected tooth. 

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer dental fillings work for children who have shedding teeth. It has a short lifespan compared to other types of dental fillings. It can last for less than five years. It also produces fluoride around the cavity area to prevent further decay.

On the other hand, this filling is highly prone to wear and tear. It also cannot accurately match the color of the affected tooth. 

For more about dental fillings, visit bty DENTAL at our offices in Anchorage, Alaska. You can also call (907) 333-6666 to book an appointment today.