Types of Fillings

Dental fillings are used to treat cavities, broken, and chipped teeth.  Your dentist will drill on the cavity-infected area of your tooth to clean it out, and then fill the area. This dental procedure is done for your tooth to restore your tooth’s function.

What are the types of teeth filling available?

There are a lot of teeth filling options available today, and choosing a filling that fits you depends on the filling cost, your dental insurance coverage (if you have one), and what kind of filling your dentist recommends for you.

* Amalgam filling is the oldest and common teeth filling used which is made from silver, tin, and mercury materials.

Pros:  They are readily available, long lasting, and inexpensive

Cons:  It contains mercury which is highly toxic.  In addition, metals in the fillings intensify tooth sensitivity depending on the hotness or coldness of the food.

* Composite filling is also a common teeth filling.

Pros:  It is natural looking and durable. Tooth with this filling is also less sensitive to food temperature.

Cons: It is more expensive than an amalgam and is susceptible to food stains.

* Porcelain filling is known as ceramic filling. This filling is not attached to the tooth but is shaped and inserted to fit perfectly inside it.

Pros:  It is also convenient, natural-looking and long-lasting.

Cons:  It may require removal or more healthy parts of the tooth to accommodate this filling.  This is more expensive than both the amalgam and the composite fillings.

* Gold filling is the most expensive filling 

Pros:  It is most durable, highly resistant to corrosion, and never loses its luster.

Cons: It is very expensive and does not look natural on a tooth.

There are many teeth fillings available to choose from.  It is important that the advantages, as well as disadvantages, must be weighed and considered before choosing a dental filling that is best for you.