Throughout one’s lifetime, just about every one of us will need to have a filling done at one point or another. When having fillings, there are multiple options to consider, each of which has it’s own strength and weaknesses. As fillings are so routine for dentists, it is not uncommon for dentists to assume a patient knows their options and proceeds with using their standard filling material of choice, especially in cases where the patient has had multiple fillings in the past. To help with this, you will find your options here. Please keep in mind, not all options are suitable for every case, and final decisions should only be made after consultation with your dentist. So if you have any questions about your next filling, contact us, we can help.
Resin Fillings
At Schau Dental, resin fillings, or white fillings, are the main fillings of choice. These fillings can blend in with natural tooth structure and work well when cosmetics are of concern. In addition to their cosmetic benefits, these fillings also bond to the surrounding tooth structure and help restore some of the strength that was lost from the cavity they are fixing.
The biggest down side to this type of filling material is the vulnerability of its bond to the attacks from acid. This is why it is extra important to keep your teeth clean and free of bacteria (bacteria metabolizes food in your mouth to produce acid). Due to this problem, variations of this type of filling have been developed that incorporate glass components that will store and release minerals like fluoride that help protect the bond from acid attacks.
Please note, all resins used at Schau Dental are free of Bis-Phenol A.
Amalgam Fillings
These silver colored fillings are a combination of various metals, including mercury. This gives them great strength to withstand chewing forces, and have been a standard in filling durability for decades. Although this material has been around a long time, and modified to better bind its mercury component, many countries have started to ban the use of this material, and at Schau Dental, we have decided to do the same.
Despite the strength of amalgam fillings, they do not bond to the surrounding tooth structure. Due to this, and other factors, the surrounding tooth structure can be severely compromised, resulting in a tendency for tooth fractures. In some cases, when a fracture occurs, the tooth can still be fixed, but may require extensive work. In other cases, the tooth can break in such a way that it can not be saved.
Amalgam Vs White Filling
The big things to note between these types of fillings are:
- Amalgam fillings are more resistant to recurrent decay.
- White fillings bond to the tooth providing improved restoration of strength to the tooth, helping prevent future tooth fractures.
- White fillings do not contain mercury.
Gold and Porcelain
The above options are types of fillings placed directly into the tooth. As an alternative, there are fillings that are fabricated outside the mouth, and then cemented into place, similar to crowns and bridges. These fillings are very strong, durable, and can last a long time. Although the gold fillings are more durable, the porcelain ones are more cosmetic. Both of these are bonded to the tooth via the cementation process. Although these are high quality fillings, many people opt away from them due to their increased, and poorer dental insurance coverage compared to the other types of fillings.