Health

Types of Dental Fillings in NY

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Living in one of the country’s busiest and most vibrant cities, good oral health is mandatory if you plan on experiencing everything. Different types of dental fillings are available to cater to different dental requirements, explains a family dentist in Upper East Side, New York. This article will explain to you the several classifications of dental fillings and their applications so that you may make an informed decision on your dental care.

What Are Dental Fillings?

A dental filling is a material used to repair the damage to a tooth caused by decay, wear, or trauma. These restorations offer the ability to function, integrity, and morphology of the tooth. The filling depends on several factors, including the location and extent of the decay, the patient`s aesthetic preferences, and the dental and medical history of the patient.

Types of Dental Fillings

Amalgam Fillings:

More commonly called silver fillings, amalgam fillings are made of several metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings are solid and will be able to take some serious chewing forces, making them appropriate if you have large molars. Such fillings are typically more economical than those created with other materials.

However, due to the color of the amalgam filling, it is not a favorite choice for visible teeth. Furthermore, for some patients, there is concern regarding the mercury content, even though a large body of research has shown that amalgam fillings are safe. It is most suitable with the posterior teeth where strength and longevity are important over appearance.

Composite Fillings

Another type of fillings is composite fillings, which are a resin and glass mixture that can be colored to match the appearance of your natural teeth. They are a natural shade, meaning that they are ideal for use in your smile area, as they blend with your teeth. Composite fillings bond to the tooth structure, giving additional support.

However they do not last as long as amalgam fillings, particularly in areas of high chewing pressure. Amalgam fillings typically are cheaper than composite fillings. It is great for the front teeth and aesthetics zones, where a realistic look is a must.

Ceramic Fillings

They are strong, durable, and look good. Ceramic fillings, which match the natural color of teeth, are also more resistant to staining than composite fillings. When correctly maintained, they are robust and durable.

Ceramic fillings, however, given their hardness are generally more expensive than amalgam and composite fillings. They can be less flexible and may require additional tooth removal to seat properly. It is applied to the facial surfaces of visible teeth due to strength and esthetic requirements.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

The fillings are typically made of a combination of acrylic and glass-contain fluoride, and since fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and promotes filling longevity, it is worth encouraging patients with the fillings to use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwashes to help the composition last longer as well. It helps to strengthen the neighboring tooth to prevent decay as well. Since these fillings bond well with the tooth structure they are useful for parts of a mouth that are not used for heavy chewing.

However, dentists consider this material weak and suggest that they are ideal for regions where the filling is small or for non-chewing surfaces. While not as aesthetic as composite or ceramic fillings, glass ionomer fillings are perfectly fine. The teeth-crowned are for non-load-bearing areas such as roots of teeth or kid`s primary teeth.

Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are made from a gold alloy and are wear-resistant. They are virtually indestructible and can last for centuries. Does not rust and is highly compatible with gum tissue.

However, the most expensive type of dental filling is called gold fillings. They are not the color of teeth and are thus more obvious, which is not a good look for teeth. It should be used primarily on molars or any teeth for which durability is more important than aesthetics.

In a city like New York, always a quick-paced environment with limitless opportunities, maintaining good oral health is essential. Knowing the best filling for your teeth can help you make the right treatment decision. Frequent visits to the dentist and conversations with them will help ensure good dental health so that you can enjoy all New York has to offer without fear of painful tooth problems.

 

Hailen Kazz
the authorHailen Kazz