A recent study conducted by a British dentist society revealed that almost four out of five Britons (approximately 83%) would require some sort of filling throughout their lives, and on average, they typically needed more than once per year.
Here are the common types of dental fillings used by dentists all over the world. This information will help you better understand dental fillings that you may get at Practice at Mortlake Clinic.
Silver Fillings
Amalgam or silver fillings are popular for many reasons. They’re affordable, durable, and can withstand chewing pressure for decades on end without any problems. However, some patients might not want amalgam fillings because of the risk of mercury exposure or other concerns about their safety that numerous studies have brought up over the years.
Composite Fillings
Many patients prefer composite fillings because they are able to match the colour of their teeth closely. Composite materials can also bond with existing tooth structures, making them very strong and versatile for different purposes.
Composite fillings are often more expensive than amalgam, but they may offer better durability. They’re also easier to place and require less chair time, which is excellent for you since most people dread going to the dentist.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are a type of tooth filling that is less common than other options such as gold and porcelain. They consist primarily of acrylic with the added glass particles to achieve their durability and clarity. These types of dental materials can last up to 15 years, but they come at an expensive cost, so most patients tend not to go for these kinds.
Dental fillings made of glass ionomers release fluoride over time and are comparable in price to composite tooth fillings. These types of filling are usually only used for small, non-chewing areas near the gumline because they can be weak, and dentists don’t want them breaking or weakening nearby teeth.
Gold Fillings
Gold is often used as a filling. It has incredible strength and durability that can last for decades, making it an excellent choice for some patients who have metal allergies to silver fillings or just prefer the look of gold over other filler materials.
Unfortunately, its high cost may be too much because it could potentially be ten times more expensive than amalgam fillings – making them even less affordable.
Which filling should you select?
When it comes to your dental fillings, make sure you go with what works best for you. Your dentist should know which filler is the right one because they will take into consideration your history and overall aesthetic goals while monitoring for signs of decay during twice-yearly checkups. If a cavity gets too big before being treated or filled, then there’s no way that area can be fixed quickly, so try not to procrastinate.
Getting fillings as early as possible helps you mitigate the chances of tooth loss. It also saves you from the pain and discomfort that comes from decaying teeth.
For more information on our restorative dentistry options please contact us.
Which filling should you select?
When it comes to your dental fillings, make sure you go with what works best for you. Your dentist should know which filler is the right one because they will take into consideration your history and overall aesthetic goals while monitoring for signs of decay during twice-yearly checkups. If a cavity gets too big before being treated or filled, then there’s no way that area can be fixed quickly, so try not to procrastinate.
Getting fillings as early as possible helps you mitigate the chances of tooth loss. It also saves you from the pain and discomfort that comes from decaying teeth.
For more information on restorative dentistry please contact us.
