Dental Filling Materials: Know Your Options
Did you know that there’s more than one option in materials for dental fillings near you? As a multi-specialty dentist 75208, Dr. Amber James and her team at Trinity Dental Loft in Dallas want to provide patients with information about all of the materials available in dental fillings.
Some patients want the most esthetically attractive dental filling without concern about the material’s durability or cost, while others want a durable and affordable material. Wherever you fall within this range, we’re here to help.
Following is a brief overview of the role those dental fillings play in modern dentistry and the types of materials that you can choose. If you still have questions after reading this article, we’d love to meet you to answer all of your questions about dental fillings in Dallas, TX.
What are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is one of the most commonly performed procedures in general and restorative dentistry. Fillings repair damage to teeth caused by cracks or holes leftover after cavity removal. In essence, a filling fills an area of a patient’s tooth to help restore the tooth’s stability and function. Although fillings are most often associated with cavity treatment, dentists also use various materials to repair cracked, chipped, or worn teeth. Some examples of when you might need a filling other than to repair a cavity include patients who grind their teeth, frequently chew ice, or bite their nails. If you’re concerned about the health of your teeth from any of these habits, we invite you to make an appointment with Dr. James to learn more.
Another type of filling is known as inlays and Onlays. Dentists recommend indirect fillings when damage to a patient’s tooth is too extensive for a routine filling but not severe enough to warrant a dental crown. Routine dental fillings can be completed in one appointment, whereas an indirect filling requires an outside lab to manufacture it. When you visit us for your dental filling consultation, we can provide more information about your treatment timeline.
What Are the Types of Filling Materials?
Our dentist near you will detail each type of dental filling material available. She will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. Tooth-colored fillings are not as durable as porcelain or ceramic fillings, and back teeth typically endure more wear and tear than front teeth.
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- Silver amalgam
- Tooth-colored composite resin
- Glass ionomer
- Gold
Each material has its advantages and disadvantages compared to other materials. For example, gold is the most expensive material, but it’s also the most durable. Silver amalgam fillings can last up to 15 years versus tooth-colored fillings, which typically need replacing every 5-10 years.
We’ll ensure that you receive information on each recommended material type for your tooth repair based on cost, durability, esthetics, and safety. As an example, the American Dental Association and the FDA have reported that silver amalgam fillings may pose health risks for individuals in the following categories:
- Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Women who are nursing
- Children under the age of six
- Patients with neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease
- Patients with compromised kidney function
- Patients who are known to be allergic to mercury or any of the other compounds of dental amalgam
Our goal is to provide every patient with the information they need on every procedure we perform. There is never a question that you should feel embarrassed about asking. Our mission is to excel in patient satisfaction by providing lasting oral health that includes a beautiful smile.