5 Types of Dental Fillings: Pros and Cons

Dental fillings in Excelsior, MN, repair decayed or damaged teeth. They can be color-matched to the tooth’s natural shade, ensuring a seamless and aesthetic result.

A dentist near you may recommend dental fillings to address the issue of tooth decay. This prevents further decay from spreading and helps restore the tooth’s strength and functionality. Fillings also provide a solution for teeth that have suffered minor fractures or chips, effectively repairing the damage and preventing further deterioration.

What are the Types of Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings come in five different types, and a dentist in Excelsior, MN, will choose an ideal option to address different dental needs:

• Composite fillings

Composite fillings are made from resin and finely ground glass particles, resulting in a durable and aesthetically pleasing restoration.

Pros

• They can be color-matched to the tooth’s natural shade, making them virtually invisible and enhancing the smile’s overall appearance.
• They also bond directly to the tooth structure, providing additional support and minimizing the risk of leakage or further decay.
• They do not require the removal of tooth structures, resulting in more conservative and minimally invasive treatment.

Cons

• They are also less durable than amalgam fillings and may need to be replaced or repaired more frequently.
• Composite fillings are more susceptible to staining, particularly when exposed to certain foods and drinks.

• Amalgam fillings

These are made from mercury, silver, tin, and copper.

Pros

• Amalgam fillings are known for their exceptional durability and longevity, often lasting many years without needing replacement.
• They are generally more cost-effective than other filling materials, making them a more accessible option for many patients.
• Amalgam fillings can withstand chewing forces and are suitable for use in areas of the mouth that experience high pressure, such as molars.

Cons

• Amalgam fillings are silver and can be visible when placed in noticeable areas of the smile.
• A larger amount of healthy tooth structure must be removed, which can result in a loss of natural tooth material.
• They contain a small amount of mercury, raising concerns for some patients.

• Ceramic fillings

Ceramic or porcelain fillings are dental restorations made from high-quality ceramic material.

Pros

• Ceramic fillings closely match teeth’ natural color and appearance, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing restoration that blends well with the surrounding teeth.
• They are resistant to wear, making them a long-lasting option for dental restorations.
• Ceramic fillings are made from biocompatible materials, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or sensitivities.

Cons

• Ceramic fillings are more expensive than other fillings, such as amalgam or composite resin.
• The placement of ceramic fillings requires more time and expertise than other fillings.
• While ceramic fillings are durable, they are more prone to chipping than materials like amalgam.

• Gold fillings

Gold fillings are dental fillings made from gold and other metals.

Pros

• They are durability and longevity, often lasting for several decades without needing replacement.
• They are biocompatible, meaning they are well-tolerated by the body and less likely to cause allergic reactions or sensitivities.
• They offer a unique and distinctive appearance, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to dental restoration.

Cons

• Gold fillings tend to be more expensive compared to other types of fillings.
• The contrast with natural tooth color may be more noticeable than with tooth-colored fillings.
• Gold fillings require more extensive tooth preparation and may require multiple dentist visits.

• Glass ionomer

Glass ionomer fillings are dental restorations made from acrylic and glass powders.

Pros

• Glass ionomer fillings can release fluoride, which helps to strengthen and protect the surrounding tooth structure.
• They blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, providing an aesthetic restoration that is visually pleasing.

Cons

• They may not be as durable as other filling materials, such as amalgam or ceramic.
• Glass ionomer fillings are sensitive to moisture during the placement process.
• Glass ionomer fillings may not be suitable for areas of the mouth that experience high biting forces or excessive wear.

The choice of dental filling material depends on individual preferences, budget, location, and the dentist’s recommendation, ensuring the best balance between aesthetics, durability, and oral health. Visit Excelsior Town Dental for more information about dental fillings.