Fillings
Dental fillings are used to treat cavity and repair broken or cracked teeth worn down from tooth grinding or nail biting. A dentist removes the decayed portion and fills it to replace the decayed material. The filling closes off spaces where bacteria can enter, and also prevents the tooth from decaying any further. Filling materials may include porcelain, gold, amalgam or composite resin.
Types of Filling: The right type of filling depends upon the extent of repair needed, or whether a patient has allergies to certain materials.
Dental fillings are used to treat cavity and repair broken or cracked teeth worn down from tooth grinding or nail biting. A dentist removes the decayed portion and fills it to replace the decayed material. The filling closes off spaces where bacteria can enter, and also prevents the tooth from decaying any further. Filling materials may include porcelain, gold, amalgam or composite resin.
Types of Filling: The right type of filling depends upon the extent of repair needed, or whether a patient has allergies to certain materials.
- Gold Fillings: last up to 20 years and are well tolerated by gum tissues. They are often made to order and cemented into place. While they are good for your gums, gold fillings are also the most expensive.
- Amalgam fillings: are not as expensive as gold fillings but are relatively expensive than others. They are resistant to wear but are more noticeable because of its dark nature. They are not recommended in visible areas such as the front teeth.
- Composite Resins: are plastic fillings that match the color of the teeth and resemble natural appearance. They are ideal for the front teeth and other visible areas. However, composite resin is not ideal for large fillings because it chips over time. It also does not last as long as gold or amalgam fillings, but has a lifespan of 3 to 10 years.
- Porcelain Fillings: are inlays that are bonded to the tooth. It can resist staining and matches the color of the teeth.