If you have a cavity that requires a dental filling, there are several different types of materials that can be used to complete the task. Amalgam, gold, porcelain, and composite are some of the most commonly used filling materials. In today's post, our Grande Prairie dentists explain the differences between them to help you decide which might be better for you.
Teeth fillings can be made from a variety of materials, such as amalgam, porcelain, gold, and composite resins. Aside from being safe and long-lasting, each of these materials has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are plastic tooth-coloured fillings that look and feel natural when placed in a patient's mouth.
Composite fillings are the same colour as your natural teeth, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. These materials are also relatively easy to shape and mould onto teeth, and because they bond naturally to teeth, your dentist will not have to remove as much existing enamel during the preparation process.
Your dentist will first remove decay from the tooth before applying bonding material to the inside of the cavity to place this type of filling. The hole is then filled with thin layers of composite resin. Each layer hardens to a solid state with the help of a curing light. After the final layer of the filling hardens, your dentist will shape it to match the shape of your natural teeth.
Porcelain Fillings
A strong, tooth-coloured dental restoration is created by combining hard and brittle porcelain fillings with metal, which results in a tooth-coloured dental restoration.
In a dental lab, a porcelain filling is created and returned to your dentist, who cements it in place in your mouth. In order to complete the procedure, at least two dental appointments are usually required.
Amalgam Fillings
Silver in colour, amalgam fillings are frequently used to fill teeth located at the back of the mouth. They are a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, copper, and tin, among others.
While the silver colour may not be appealing to people who prefer a more natural appearance, they are a long-lasting option for molars that are subjected to a great deal of wear and tear.
Gold Fillings
In order to create a cast gold filling, a model of your tooth must be created. A mixture of gold and other metals, such as silver and copper, is used to create these pieces.
This type of dental filling, like porcelain fillings, is made in a dental lab and then returned to your dentist, who cements it into place inside your mouth. As a result, this type of filling usually necessitates at least two dental appointments.