How do dentists repair damaged teeth? The treatment will depend on the extent of the damage. Dental fillings in Glen, IL, can repair compromised teeth damaged by cavities or decay. This treatment aims to preserve your tooth and prevent further damage. It’s often recommended to treat cavities, cracked or broken teeth, or teeth worn due to bruxism or nail-biting. Various fillings are available depending on the material used to fabricate them.
What Are the Common Types of Dental Fillings?
Amalgam Fillings
The most common type of filling used by dentists is amalgam. Amalgam is also called silver fillings due to its silver color. It’s a combination of metals. When elemental mercury reacts with powdered copper, tin, and silver, alloy, they form an amalgam.
This unique combination of metals produces a strong and durable material that can withstand the forces of chewing for ten to 15 years. It’s a popular option because of its affordability, and insurance plans mostly cover it.
Despite their popularity, amalgam fillings also have drawbacks. The blatant silver color does not match the shade of natural teeth. Its application also involves removing more of your tooth’s structure to make room for the filling. Reports show that 1% of people may be allergic to the mercury present in amalgam.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are tooth-colored fillings made of resin and plastic. Their design matches your natural teeth's color, making them a popular dental filling choice. It works well for small to medium-sized cavities because it bonds directly to the tooth
One drawback of composite fillings is that they are not as durable as amalgam and may need to be replaced every five to ten years. They are also more costly than amalgam fillings and may not be covered by all insurance plans.
Ceramic Fillings
Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain. People love ceramic because it gives them the best of both worlds. The material is both strong and aesthetically pleasing. But they can be more expensive than other filling types. Nevertheless, their features justify the cost.
Gold Fillings
For centuries, gold fillings have been used to treat cavities. It’s a mixture of copper, gold, and other metals to create a durable and strong material lasting between ten to 15 years and sometimes more. They are remarkably durable and are designed to withstand chewing forces. Unfortunately, like silver amalgam, they are not as aesthetically pleasing. Most patients prefer the tooth-colored filling to blend with surrounding teeth.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are made by combining glass and acrylic. They are primarily used in children's teeth or for small cavities near the gum line. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride over time, which can help prevent further decay.
Glass ionomer fillings are not as strong as other fillings and may need to be replaced more often. They are also not as aesthetically pleasing as others and may not be a good choice for visible teeth.
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What Type of Dental Fillings in Glen, IL, Do You Prefer?
Dental fillings are an important tool in maintaining good dental health and preventing further damage to the teeth. With proper care and maintenance, dental fillings can provide a durable and long-lasting solution for restoring damaged teeth.
Smalltown Dental offers affordable and customizable restorative dental treatments, including dental fillings. Our team has years of experience and training in the dental industry to provide you with the best care. Contact us for a consultation.
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