Types and Applications of Dental Fillings
Dental filling is a method used to fill the gap in teeth, restoring its original function. At the same time, filling can also stop the progress of decay. This helps prevent more serious conditions in the future. There are various types of dental fillings available today, making it possible to use the most appropriate type of filling.
What is Dental Filling?
Filling is a dental treatment method used to repair tooth decay, fractures and cracks. Filling materials can be composite resins, amalgam, gold and ceramic materials that are placed in your teeth.
Why is Dental Filling Done?
Dental filling is done in the following cases:
- To treat tooth decay
- To fill gaps in teeth
- For aesthetics
- To treat tooth fractures
- To treat tooth wear
What Determines the Type of Filling?
Several factors are taken into account when choosing the type of dental filling. These include the following:
- The location of the tooth to be filled: The location of the tooth to be filled plays an important role in the selection of filling materials. Fillings used in rear teeth require higher durability. Therefore, for teeth in this region, composite fillings with higher ceramic content, which are more durable than amalgam fillings previously used, are preferred today.
- The size of the damage: Composite fillings may be preferred for small damages, while ceramic or amalgam fillings are preferred for larger ones.
- Patient preference: Some patients may prioritize aesthetic appearance, while others may prefer a longer-lasting filling material.
What are the Types of Fillings?
There are four different types of dental filling. These are as follows:
- Amalgam filling
- Composite filling
- Ceramic-containing filling
- Gold filling
When selecting the type of filling for treatment, various factors are taken into consideration.
What is Amalgam Dental Filling? What are Their Uses?
Amalgam filling is a type of filling made of a mixture of mercury, silver, copper, tin and zinc. These fillings are typically used in the back teeth, but they are not commonly used nowadays.
What is Composite Filling? What are Their Uses?
Composite filling is an aesthetic dental filling material that can be color-matched to the patient's natural teeth. It is typically used on the front and side surfaces of the teeth.
Composite filling is often used in the treatment of tooth decay and can also be used to repair chipped, cracked, worn or misshapen teeth.
Another advantage of composite fillings is that they are less invasive to apply. A small portion of the tooth's surface is removed and the filling material is placed and shaped onto the tooth. The material is then hardened with a special light and the filling process is complete. Usually, only one appointment is needed for the application of the filling.
What is Ceramic Filling? What are Their Uses?
Ceramic filling is a type of dental filling made from a ceramic material that matches the color of natural teeth. It is used on the front and side surfaces of teeth.
Ceramic fillings have the advantage of blending in with natural teeth and providing aesthetically pleasing results. In addition, ceramic fillings have a low risk of cracking or wearing out, as they are made of a material that does not expand like other types of fillings and does not carry the risk of allergic reactions.
What is Gold Filling? What are Their Uses?
Gold filling is a dental treatment option that is used to fill cavities or repair damaged teeth. They are more durable and longer-lasting than other filling materials and are often used in the back teeth.
Gold filling material is made of gold alloys and the specific content of the alloys can vary based on the tooth's needs.
Gold filling has several advantages over other filling materials. These advantages are as follows:
- It is more durable than other filling materials.
- Gold filling creates less sensitivity.
- It provides a better fit to the teeth and mouth.
However, gold fillings are not commonly used because they are more expensive than other types of dental filling.
