Share:

When one of your teeth has a cavity, the treatment is usually the placement of a dental filling. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and patch the area with the filling to protect the tooth from further decay. Although the procedure is simple and straightforward, you do have a few choices when it comes to the filling material. BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, is a trusted provider of general, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry, and they shed some light on the different options you have for dental fillings.

4 Types of Dental Fillings

1. Composite Resin

Composites are one of the most popular choices for fillings, particularly because of their natural appearance and ability to blend in with the healthy teeth in your mouth. The color can be matched to that of neighboring teeth, which makes them especially good for visible areas. The material bonds directly to your tooth, providing support and helping to prevent cracking and other damage. Although they may wear out sooner than other types of fillings, many people find the aesthetics are well worth the tradeoff.

2. Metal Amalgam

emergency dentistryAs the oldest and most common choice for fillings, amalgams are composed of different metals, such as mercury, silver, or zinc. They’re also long-lasting and less expensive than other choices, and they can be placed quickly, making them a favorite choice of emergency dentistry providers. However, the metal color is more noticeable than composites, so they’re not the best option if you want a natural look. And because of their mercury content, some people are reluctant to have them placed in their children, despite assurances from pediatric dentists that they’re safe.

3. Gold

Gold fillings are similar in duration and strength to silver amalgam, but the main difference is their cost and color. As one of the most expensive choices, they also require additional office visits for placement, so they’re not likely to be useful in emergency dentistry situations. Still, some people like the appearance of gold fillings and are willing to pay the additional expense.

4. Glass Ionomer 

These fillings are typically used beneath the gum line or in children’s primary teeth. They work best in areas with a limited amount of decay that aren’t subject to a lot of chewing pressure. Some also release fluoride, making them an excellent choice for kids.

If you have questions about the best type of fillings for your teeth, contact the experienced team at BridgeView Dental Group. With five dentists providing services that range from emergency dentistry to sedation dentistry and tooth implants, they offer high-quality dental care to patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment today, call (907) 486-3257 or visit their website to learn about their providers and services.

tracking