Types of Dental Fillings 

A toothache is the most common sign that you have a cavity. If you are experiencing pain or sudden throbbing discomfort when biting or chewing, you should schedule an exam at Smile Every Day Dentistry & Orthodontics. The most common method of treating a cavity is “filling” the tooth area where the decayed material is. There are numerous fillings to choose from, and here are 5 of the most common.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings, or “silver” fillings, are composed of a mixture of tin, copper, silver, and mercury. They have been used for decades because they are strong, long-lasting, and the least expensive option. However, they can also expand and contract differently from the tooth, stain teeth, cause corrosion, and break over time.

Composite Fillings 

Composite fillings are made of resin and plastic, inserted into the cavity while still soft, and then hardened under a strong blue “curing” light. They are sometimes preferred because the color can be adjusted to match a person’s natural teeth shade, making them less noticeable than amalgam fillings.

Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are made up of 75% gold, and 25% may be silver, palladium, or other minor metals. They do not cause any damage to the surrounding teeth and cause little to no complications in the mouth. Gold fillings are strong, long-lasting, and won’t corrode like amalgam fillings. However, they are also more expensive and noticeable.

Ceramic Fillings

Despite being chemically attached to the tooth, ceramic fillings are not as strong as gold ones. However, they do not get stained or damaged easily. They can also be custom-made to match the color of your teeth for a more natural and subtle appearance.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

This filling is constructed from a blend of glass and acrylic. Glass ionomer fillings are ideal for children because they release fluoride, which can help protect a tooth from further decay. They are often used to repair a child’s tooth; however, they only last a few years and do not match the color of the teeth, as well as other options.

Schedule a Dental Exam

If you think you might need a filling, schedule an appointment with our Davie dentist, Plantation dentist, or Tamarac dentist right away before your condition or pain gets worse. If cavities are left untreated, they can become infected or penetrate deeper into the tooth and require more than a filling to fix. 

September 21, 2022