Are you tired of having your fillings fall out? Are you in need to fill a cavity in your tooth but don’t know what kind of filling is best for you? Fillings are one way that dentists can improve the health and appearance of teeth affected by decay or damage. In this blog, we’ll discuss what fillings are, the different types available, and the benefits they provide.
What Are Fillings?
Fillings are materials used to fill a hole (or cavity) in teeth caused by either decay or damage. The fillings act as a sealant to protect against further corrosion or damage. Fillings can be made from metal alloys, porcelain, gold, composite resin, and other materials.
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Amalgam fillings
Amalgam fillings are made of a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. They offer strong protection against decay but may sometimes leave dark spots on teeth.
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Porcelain fillings
Porcelain fillings mimic the look and feel of natural tooth enamel. They’re often used for fillings in visible areas such as front teeth. Porcelain fillings can match your tooth color, so they blend in with your smile.
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Composite fillings
Composite fillings are made of a mixture of plastic and glass fillers. They come in various shades, so they can be color-matched to your existing tooth color, making them unobtrusive. Composite fillings are often used for fillings in front teeth and minor repairs.
Benefits of Fillings
Fillings offer many benefits for people suffering from tooth decay or damage. Fillers help protect against further damage and improve the appearance of teeth affected by decay or injury.
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Prevention of further decay
Fillings help prevent further tooth decay by sealing off any area where bacteria may enter the tooth enamel and cause more harm. The fillers act as a barrier to protect the tooth from further decay.
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Improved appearance
Fillings can help improve the look of a damaged or decayed tooth by restoring its shape and size. Fillers also fill in any gaps between teeth that may have been caused by damage or decay.
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Prevention against infection
Fillings act as a sealant to prevent bacteria and other debris from entering the inner parts of your tooth, reducing the risk of infection. Fillers also fill in any cracks or chips in your teeth which can provide an entry point for bacteria to get in and cause infection.
Types of Fillings
Several types of fillings are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. Metal fillings are strong and durable but may be noticeable in your mouth, porcelain fillings are less visible but more expensive, and composite fillings are a good option for fillings in visible areas.
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Metal fillings
Metal fillings use metal alloys such as gold, silver, or copper to fill cavities. They’re a cost-effective option but can be noticeable when you smile or talk.
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Porcelain fillings
Porcelain fillings mimic the look of natural tooth enamel and can be matched to your existing tooth color, making them less conspicuous than metal fillings. However, they’re more expensive than metal fillings and may not last as long.
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Composite fillings
Composite fillings are made of a mixture of plastic and glass fillers. They’re often used for fillings in visible areas such as front teeth. Composite fillings come in various shades so they can be matched to your existing tooth color, making them less noticeable than other types of fillings.
Fillings effectively protect against further decay or damage to the teeth caused by cavities or injuries. Fillers can also improve the look of damaged or decayed teeth and help protect against infection. Several fillings are available, including metal, porcelain, and composite fillings. The filling you choose will depend on the extent of damage or decay and your budget. Get in touch with our staff to know more.
FAQs
Q: What are fillings made of?
A: Fillings can be made from various materials, including metal alloys such as gold, silver, copper, porcelain, and composite fillers.
Q: How long do fillings last?
A: The lifespan of fillings depends on the material used to make them and how well they’re cared for. Metal fillings can last between 5-15 years, while porcelain and composite fillers may only last 3-5 years.
Q: Are fillings painful?
A: Most fillings are not painful, but you may experience mild sensitivity after the procedure. If you experience any pain or discomfort following your fall, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
