A tooth filling is a necessary step for most dental decay treatments. After the dentist has cleaned the decay, they fill the hole with an appropriate tooth filling to prevent relapse and restore a natural appearance. The filling you choose depends on your preference, but you should consult your dentist for the best choices.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, tooth-related diseases cause businesses across the country to lose about $1 billion due to reduced productivity. Tooth decay is one of the most common dental issues globally, and if filled incorrectly, it will cause more problems.
The choice of tooth filling is critical to your oral health and recovery, so you need to make the right choice. The rest of this article will explain the type of treatment to get when your tooth needs a filling. Here, we will analyze the different types to help you choose the best type of dental filling.
Types of Tooth Filling
The material used to make a tooth filling is usually the yardstick to differentiate it from others. You can use just about any material to form a tooth filling, but the most common options include;
- Composite filling
- Silver filling
- Gold filling
- Ceramic filling
Let’s take a closer look at each of the tooth filling treatments.
Composite Filling
A composite tooth filling is one created by mixing plastic and resin. The main advantage of this tooth-filling treatment is its aesthetics. It has a white appearance, and the dentist can adjust it to suit your existing tooth.
Its natural appearance makes it the ideal option for a visible tooth. For instance, the composite filling is the best if you need to fill any of the teeth in the front.
The application process for the composite tooth filling requires a bonding agent and an acidic tooth conditioner. This application process also involves blue light curing, ensuring a strong bond with the tooth. So, not only do your teeth look natural, but they are also strong.
The process may take longer than other tooth fillings, but it is worth the wait.
Pros
- It has a natural appearance
- It bonds to the teeth correctly
- It is useful for different dental conditions.
Cons
- Composite tooth filling can be a bit costly.
- It usually doesn’t last up to ten years and can damage at any point, especially during chewing.
- There are better fillings for a large hole in the tooth.
- You will spend an extended period at the dentist’s and may even require multiple visits.
Silver Amalgam Filling
Almost every dentist in Ontario and its environs will advise you to get a silver amalgam tooth filling because of its low price. This filling treatment is cheaper than the composite option; it is the most affordable filling if you consider longevity.
Silver amalgam tooth fillings last over ten years, but silver isn’t the only material used to make them. This filing is an alloy of tin, mercury, zinc, copper, and silver.
Mercury is a neurotoxin that is not safe for consumption, and while you chew with it, it may drop during chewing. However, experts assure you that only a tiny and negligible mercury quantity drops, so you’re safe with this tooth filling.
If your dentist installs your silver fillings correctly, they will be strong enough to chew meals without breaking. However, the alloy can contract and expand due to temperature changes.
For instance, when you are drinking coffee, the temperature change may be sudden, causing expansion. Through expansion and contraction, a silver tooth filling can cause a crack in your tooth.
Cracks in your tooth allow food to stay within the teeth and cause new tooth decay. Hence, the silver tooth filling may not be the safest if you eat extremely hot or cold food and beverages.
Pros
- It is solid and sturdy
- It lasts for an extended period.
- It has an easy installation technique and time.
- It is usually affordable, irrespective of the size of the cavity you’re filling.
Cons
- It can cause tooth cracks.
- It is silver, which is very different from your teeth’ colour. In some cases, it may spread its silver colour to surrounding teeth.
Related Article: 3 Reasons Why (And When) You Should Get a Cavity Filled
Gold Filling
If you’re a sophisticated person that loves luxury, the gold tooth filling is the best type of dental filling for you. Gold is the most expensive filling option, and it can last over twenty years with correct use.
Gold combines with other metals, including silver, copper, and zinc, to produce this tooth filling. 75% of the filling is gold, while other metals make up the remaining 25%.
Applying a gold tooth filling will require more than one visit because they will need a model of your tooth to fabricate a corresponding gold filling. After creating the filling in the lab, your dentist will install and cement it to your tooth.
The installation procedure ensures that the gold filling is strong enough to withstand consistent chewing.
Pros
- Gold is aesthetically pleasing, as it conveys luxury to whoever sees it. So, while it doesn’t have the regular teeth color, it stands out.
- A gold tooth filling is firm and will always last long.
Cons
- It is the most expensive tooth-filling option available.
- The unnatural color makes it unsuitable for visible teeth.
Ceramic Filling
Ceramic tooth fillings are rare because of their high cost, but they are an improvement compared to composite fillings.
Also known as porcelain tooth filling, you have two options when choosing the ceramic filling; the inlay or onlay. The one you choose depends on the type of cavity, so you should always listen to your dentist’s opinion.
Another downside of the ceramic filling is its brittleness. Most dentists try to create more space to install the ceramic filling to ensure its strength. Ceramic tooth filling treatments usually perform better when installed in a large space.
Pros
- It has a high resistance to stain
- It takes the exact color of your teeth.
- It can last for a long time if installed and maintained correctly.
Cons
- It has a high cost
- It can be brittle if installed in a small space.
Related Article: Can I Get a Prescription from a Walk-In Clinic?
Final Thoughts
Given the many options, it is always hard to know which dental filling to choose. However, the factors to consider are the tooth location, budget, dentist’s opinion, and your preference.
Your dentist’s expertise in tooth filling is crucial to the success and performance of the filling. No tooth filling will perform correctly if the installation process is wrong.
At Lockwood Clinic, our experts understand the process of tooth filling from the basics and will guide you to making the right choice. The goal is to install the most durable and cost-effective tooth filling correctly.
Call 416-921-2121 to book a free consultation session, or visit our walk-in clinic today!