Dental fillings are required to cover cavities or as a part of various other dental treatments. When it comes to opting for a dental filling, you have several options to choose from. Let us take a look at some of the most popular dental fillings.
Amalgam fillings
Amidst various other types of fillings, amalgam fillings are the most common. They are silver in color and are made of an alloy of mercury, silver, tin, copper along with several other metals. However, it is the concentration of mercury and silver that is the highest in these fillings.
This filling type has been in use for ages now. The reasons for the same being the affordability and durability it offers. Amalgam fillings are very durable and can easily last for anywhere between 15 to 20 years. Besides, they are affordable too.
Many people consider amalgam fillings to be toxic simply because they use mercury. However, these fillings are absolutely safe. These fillings make use of mercury along with other metals. So, when mercury is used with other metals, it's the basic nature, which makes it safe.
Composite fillings
Composite fillings are fillings that have a color that is similar to your teeth. The color of your teeth is taken and the fillings are prepared accordingly. This type of filling is made up of powdered glass quartz, silica along with other ceramic particles. These materials are binded together using a resin base. Though they are not as hard as amalgam fillings, they are quite durable.
Glass ionomer fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are typically used for biting teeth. They may also be used for non biting surfaces like the neck of the teeth. This filling type bonds itself to the teeth, so there is no special preparation required to use this filling. When bonded to the teeth, it also secretes fluoride, which prevents further tooth decay. The only downside to this filling type is that it does not last for long.
Gold inlays and onlays
Gold is used both in the form of inlays and onlays as a dental filling. While an inlay is small and covers only the biting surface of the tooth, an onlay covers a larger area of the mouth. An impression of your cavity will be taken. This will be sent to the laboratory where a technician will make a gold filling that suits the particular cavity. Amidst various other filling types, this one is the most expensive.
Porcelain inlays
Porcelain inlays is another type of tooth filling that is becoming increasingly popular. They are durable, affordable and match the natural color of your teeth as well. porcelain inlays are designed using a digital technology called CADCAM. The only downside to this filling type is that it is quite expensive.
So, these are the various kinds of dental fillings available for you to choose from. Consult your dentist and he shall advise the best one for you.
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