What Are the Various Types of Tooth Fillings?

Tooth decay has remained a problem for millions of people despite advances in dental hygiene and care. Several dental treatments are designed to address tooth decay in adults and kids. A popular dental restoration procedure is the dental fillings procedure. Dentists use Dental fillings in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, to fill cavities caused by tooth decay.

They are placed by a dentist in the holes to even out the tooth’s surface, making it appear natural. Before placing the dental fillings on teeth, the dentist removes the decay, all cavity-causing bacteria, plaque, and debris. This stops decay from further damaging the tooth structure. Continue reading to find out about the different types of dental fillings.

Types of Dental Fillings

1. Amalgam

These fillings consist of different metals such as mercury, copper, silver, and tin. They are also known as silver fillings due to their silver-looking appearance. Amalgam fillings are safe, sturdy, and long-lasting.

2. Ceramic

They are made from high-quality porcelain material. It makes them durable and aesthetically appealing. In addition, the glass-like material is resistant to stains and abrasion.

3. Composite or Direct Fillings

Composite fillings are made of a tooth-colored material applied to teeth directly since it is adhesive. The dental fillings are customized to match the rest f the patient’s teeth giving them a uniform appearance.

4. Gold

These fillings are made from gold and other metal alloys. They are durable, strong, and do not corrode. In addition, some individuals find gold fillings aesthetically pleasing.

5. Glass Ionomer

They are made from glass and acrylic. Glass ionomer fillings protect teeth from additional decay. In addition, they release fluoride into the filled tooth. However, glass ionomer fillings are not durable and are used for only a few years. Nevertheless, dentists near you recommend them for pediatric teeth restorations.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

• The dentist uses fillings to remedy the symptoms of cavities caused by tooth decay. The fillings protect the nerve endings of teeth and stop toothache and sensitivity.
• They remedy tooth decay by stopping the cavities from growing. Glass Ionomer fillings release fluoride to protect the tooth further against corrosion.
• tooth fillings repair cracked and broken teeth restoring their functionality
• teeth that are too weakened by wearing down, decay, or damage are strengthened using indirect fillings
• Temporary tooth fillings protect the exposed inner part of the tooth. They prevent infection while the patient waits for the permanent fillings.

Replacing Dental Fillings

As durable as fillings are, they do not last forever. They wear down eventually due to constant stress from chewing, cleaning, jaw clenching, and teeth grinding. Worn-down fillings can crack, chip, or fall out, leaving the inner parts of the tooth exposed. If they are not replaced, food debris and bacteria enter the tooth resulting in tooth decay. The decay damages the tooth further.

You may wonder how to tell if you need to have your filling replaced. When you get dental fillings in Sault Ste Marie, ON, the dentist will detect damaged fillings during regular checkups. However, your restoration may need replacing with dental checkups. If they do, you can know by checking out for some signs.

One of the signs you need to look out for is tooth sensitivity. The damaged or lost fillings create access to the tooth’s nerve endings. This results in extreme sensitivity. Another sign is a sharp, throbbing pain in the tooth with the damaged filling. You may detect the pain when applying pressure to the tooth when biting down, chewing, brushing, or touching it.

When you examine the filled tooth in the mirror, you may notice visible damage to the filling. Check for dark spots or holes in the tooth or broken, cracked, or missing fillings. Sometimes, you may not see the damage, but your dental floss shreds every time you use it on the filled tooth. The tearing or shredding shows that your filling needs replacement.

If you are still in doubt about needing to replace your fillings, contact the dentist at Great North Dental. They will examine the tooth and use an explorer to detect spots worn out along the edge of the filling. The dental experts in Sault Ste. Marie, ON will also take ray images or scans to see decay underneath your filling. Next, they will treat the decay and replace the filling.