Need a Dental Filling? Tips for Picking Between Different Materials
Posted on: 15 July 2019
Did your dentist just inform you that you have a cavity that needs to be filled? If so, you may be wondering what material you should use to fill it. Your dentist will have the following materials available, with each having their own pros and cons. Here are some tips to help make an informed decision.
Ceramic
Many people choose ceramic for their dental filling because of how natural it looks. It will blend in with the tooth and nobody will ever be able to tell that you have a dental filling in your tooth. However, the natural color comes with some drawbacks. They won't last as long as other materials, so you may need to have the filling replaced sooner than you anticipate.
Composites
Composite fillings are essentially made with the same resin material used for restorative dentistry procedures. It has the advantage of being able to bond with your teeth to ensure that the filling will not accidentally come out once it has been placed in the tooth. The composite material is also going to be affordable, which helps when you have multiple cavities that need to be filled.
The problem with composite fillings is that they are not as strong as metal materials. The material is also more likely to chip or break, causing the need to have the filling repaired. The process of placing a composite filling also takes longer than other materials, which may not be good if you have anxiety about going to the dentist.
Gold
The main advantage of a gold dental filling is going to be its strength. The material will not naturally wear away from years of use like other material, and you don't have to worry about the gold filling breaking from something that you eat.
The look of gold can be a problem with some people, with it mainly being used on molars that are rarely seen Gold also has a more expensive price tag that may not be within your budget. If the gold filling is not installed properly, it can be abrasive against other teeth that it touches.
Silver
Silver filling has the strength that's similar to gold, but more affordable overall. This makes silver more realistic if you have multiple cavities. The problem with silver is how it expands and contracts when exposed to hot and cold items. This can lead to the tooth becoming damaged after years of having a silver filling placed in your mouth.
To learn more about your options, contact services such as Tijeras Dental Service.
Share