Our tooth needs dental filling when there is a cavity. Dentist would first have to anesthetize the area so that the patient will be comfortable throughout the denture procedure. Then dentist would proceed to remove all decay in the tooth and then a filling material is to be placed into the prepared area.
There are several main types of filling materials: amalgam, composite resin, gold, and porcelain.
The amalgam is mixture of metal alloy. The advantages are:
- – they are hard and strong to stand up to the biting forces.
- – Dentist is able to place it in one single visit.
- – Relatively decay retardant
- – The least expensive
The disadvantages are:
- – They are not esthetics. The edge around the amalgam filling will darken overtime.
- – Some concerns over the mercury content of the amalgam.
- – It does not bond the the tooth.
- – Dentist may need to create a bigger box to allow the sufficient thickness of the material to be placed.
- – It will create an static electric shock when come into contact with other metal fillings in the mouth.
The Composite is a mixture of plastic and glass material.
The advantage is:
- – Highly eshetics. It is tooth color and blends into the rest of the tooth.
- – Relatively strong
- – Able to bond with the rest of the tooth
- – Dentist is able to cut a smaller box to fill in the material.
- – Does not corrode
The disadvantage is:
- – Takes slightly longer time to place the material due to additional steps needed to prepare the tooth.
- – Some small shrinkage if it is placed in large bulk. But this can be controlled by layering techniques. Dentist just needs to place the filling material in smaller increments.
Porcelain materials, including full ceramic, glass-like filling materials.
The advantage is:
- – Tooth colored
- – Highly wear resistance.
- – Does not cause alelrgic reaction
Disadvantage is:
- – Can be expensive
- – Material can be brittle and is prone to cracking under biting force.
- – May need more than two appointments to complete.
Gold material.
The advantage is:
- – Does not corrode.
- – Does not break
- – Good resistance to decay
The disadvantage:
- – Not tooth color
- – The most expensive
- – May need more than two appointments to complete.
Written by Daniel Tee, DDS, MS
If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, Please call 480-820-6131
Practicing General Dentist Serving Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix, Mesa, and Gilbert Arizona
