Types of Tooth Fillings

Tooth fillings are used to treat decayed and damaged teeth. A local anesthetic may be administered before initiating this procedure.

The dentist then removes decayed tooth material. They may also etch the surface of the tooth for easier bonding.

Next, the dentist applies layers of composite resin. With each application they take a photomicrograph to harden it further.

Tooth-colored fillings

Tooth colored fillings are composed of composite resin, an aesthetic plastic material that can be custom colored to match the hue of natural teeth. Many patients favor this form of restoration due to its natural look, durability and lack of mercury that has been linked with health problems in amalgam fillings.

When your dentist applies a tooth-colored filling, the process usually only requires one dental visit. Your dentist will begin by administering local anesthetic before eliminating harmful bacteria and damaged tissue from your tooth surface. Next comes an etch and preparation step prior to layer application with curing light curing lights hardening them into place – finally your tooth will be reshaped and polished to ensure its integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Composite fillings can be used to treat mild to moderate decay in teeth that have not penetrated their dentin, as well as to repair molars that receive heavy wear from chewing. If, however, your tooth has severe damage or advanced decay which has penetrated through to its dentin layer, an inlay or onlay might be more suitable restoration options for you.

Tooth-colored fillings are highly resilient and offer unparalleled fracture resistance compared to other dental restoration options. When properly maintained, tooth-colored fillings can last a decade or more when cared for properly; brush twice daily, floss once daily, and visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and exams.

Amalgam fillings

Amalgam fillings are composed of mercury, silver, tin and copper and have been in use for over 100 years due to their cost-effective nature and longer-lasting nature. Unfortunately, their aesthetic qualities don’t measure up; over time their appearance may darken over time if placed near visible teeth such as back molars.

To create amalgam fillings, a dentist combines shavings of silver-base alloy and liquid mercury until they form a cohesive blend. The mixture is then packed into the tooth cavity where it hardens into an indestructible substance that withstands chewing and biting forces.

amalgam fillings do more than restore damaged teeth; they also help prevent further deterioration and cracks and chips. When placing amalgam fillings, your dentist will thoroughly clean out the affected area, remove decayed material such as decayed decayed material or dead material, numb the tooth and surrounding tissues before inserting the amalgam fillings.

Although amalgam fillings contain small amounts of mercury, studies and health organizations have confirmed they do not pose any threat to patient’s health. Our dentists at Today’s Dental prioritize patient safety when handling this type of filling material and take proper precautions when working with it.

Composite resin fillings

Resin composites are becoming increasingly popular as they can closely mimic the color of existing teeth, as well as chemically bond with them for additional support and less of your tooth structure needs to be removed than with amalgam fillings.

A dentist will begin by numbing the area that will be treated, before extracting any decayed portions from your tooth and applying a substance that helps open pores in your enamel to create stronger bonds with resin, followed by hardening with special lights for more secure adhesion and shaping/polishing to achieve an appearance similar to natural teeth.

Resin composite has been shown to last 10 or more years when used correctly; however, it should be kept in mind that its success rate is lower compared to silver amalgam.

Resin composite can stain more easily when exposed to certain foods and drinks, making it a more expensive alternative than silver amalgam and even being restricted by some dental insurance plans.

Noting the recent studies which have identified traces of bisphenol A (BPA) in saliva samples of patients with composite fillings is also of grave concern; BPA releases continuously as its degradation takes place.

Glass ionomer fillings

Glass Ionomer fillings are an innovative type of dental filling made up of acrylic and glass particles that bond well to your teeth while being tooth-colored. As time passes, fluoride released slowly releases from these fillings can strengthen teeth against further decay while strengthening those with weak enamel or non-biting areas such as necks. While glass ionomer fillings may not last as long, their durability remains promising nonetheless.

Dental cements contain both organic acids and fluoride, like composite resin, but additionally include glass filler components to make them slightly weaker than other filling options. As a result, these dental cements may be beneficial to patients who may react adversely to other forms of fillings; additionally they make great candidates for small restorations, like inlays or onlays on biting surfaces of teeth.

Resin modified glass ionomers (RMGIC) have been developed to overcome some of the limitations associated with conventional glass ionomers as restorative materials. Research has demonstrated that RMGIC can withstand primary molar occlusal forces for up to a year; however, larger classes II restorations or back molars undergoing the highest pressure and wear are not recommended as RMGIC may crack under such pressure and wear.