A dental cavity is a defective section of a tooth that's caused by decay. While teeth can't heal themselves, a dentist can remove the damage and restore your tooth with a filling. Even though it's a straightforward, standard process, there are a variety of materials to choose from when getting a filling. Here's a closer look at the five most common ones. 

Different Types of Cavity Fillings

1. Silver Amalgam

Silver amalgam is one of the most popular filling materials, if not the most popular, because of its affordability. The filling is composed of a half-and-half mixture of metals and mercury, and it can last over 10 years. However, silver amalgam is dark grey in appearance, so it's typically reserved for non-visible teeth.

2. Composite

Composite resin, created with a mixture of glass and plastic, is often a patient's first choice when filling a cavity. The material's biggest draw is its tooth-like coloring, which can be customized for each person's smile. While composite typically costs more than amalgam, and it has a lifespan of only around five years, it's a much more visually appealing option.

3. Ceramic

Ceramic is a strong material used for both cavity fillings and cosmetic dentistry needs, such as veneers. Similar in appearance to composite, ceramic cavity fillings are tooth-colored and blend perfectly with natural teeth. Ceramic is made from porcelain and offers a lifespan of seven or more years. However, the initial cost is more than composite, and the brittle material requires more room for placement, meaning more of the tooth needs to be removed. 

4. Gold

While they’re not as common as other materials, gold fillings offer a lifespan of over 15 years, and they're also immune to corrosion. Since they're made from a gold alloy mixture, they're at a higher price point, although long-term savings due to their durability often offset the initial cost. However, the material is yellow-gold, making it easy to spot on front teeth.

5. Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer fillings are made from a glass and acrylic mixture. While the material visually mimics the appearance of a tooth, it's more challenging to get an exact color match. This material is also prone to cracking and not expected to last more than five years, so it's mostly used for filling cavities in children. 

If you want to learn more about your filling options from an expert, turn to the team at Bradley M. Stewart, DMD in Olive Branch, MS. From teeth cleanings to cavity fillings, this family dentist offers dependable preventative and restorative services to patients of all ages across DeSoto County. Learn more about their skilled staff online, and schedule an appointment today at (662) 893-5800.