If you have a cavity that requires a dental filling, there are several different types of materials that can be used to complete the task. Amalgam, gold, porcelain, and composite are some of the most commonly used filling materials. In today's post, our Grande Prairie dentists explain the differences between them to help you decide which might be better for you.
Amalgam, porcelain, gold, and composite resins are just a few of the materials that can be used to create dental fillings. Each of these materials is durable and safe, and it also comes with a unique set of benefits and drawbacks.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are plastic tooth-coloured fillings that look and feel natural when placed in a patient's mouth.
As your natural teeth are the same colour as composite fillings, your smile will look completely natural with these restorations in place. Due to the fact that these materials bond to teeth naturally, your dentist won't need to remove as much existing enamel during the preparation process. They are also relatively simple to shape and mould onto teeth.
Your dentist will remove any decayed areas of the tooth before applying bonding material to the cavity's interior in order to place this kind of filling. Thin layers of composite resin are then added to the hole. Each layer becomes solid by using a curing light to help it harden. Your dentist will shape the filling to match the shape of your natural teeth once the final layer of the filling has hardened.
Porcelain Fillings
A strong, tooth-coloured dental restoration is created by combining hard and brittle porcelain fillings with metal, which results in a tooth-coloured dental restoration.
In a dental lab, a porcelain filling is created and returned to your dentist, who cements it in place in your mouth. In order to complete the procedure, at least two dental appointments are usually required.
Amalgam Fillings
Silver in colour, amalgam fillings are frequently used to fill teeth located at the back of the mouth. They are a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, copper, and tin, among others.
While the silver colour may not be appealing to people who prefer a more natural appearance, they are a long-lasting option for molars that are subjected to a great deal of wear and tear.
Gold Fillings
In order to create a cast gold filling, a model of your tooth must be created. A mixture of gold and other metals, such as silver and copper, is used to create these pieces.
This type of dental filling, like porcelain fillings, is created in a dental lab and then returned to your dentist, who cements it into place inside your mouth. As a result, this type of filling usually necessitates at least two dental visits.