Types of Dental Fillings

When patients have a cavity, they need a filling. But, did you know there are different types of fillings that dentists can use? Our Stayner dentists talk about some of them here.

Porcelain, composite resins, amalgam, and gold are just some of the materials that fillings can be made from. On top of being long-lasting and safe, all of these materials have their own individual advantages and disadvantages. 

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are plastic tooth-coloured fillings that have a similar feel and appearance to a natural tooth when being used in a patient's mouth.

The colour of your natural teeth and composite fillings are the same, and this lets them seamlessly blend in with your smile. These materials are also relatively easy to shape and mold onto teeth, and because they bond naturally to teeth, your dentist will not have to remove as much existing enamel during the preparation process.

In order to place this type of filling, your dentist will first remove decay from the tooth and then apply bonding material to the inside of the cavity. After that, thin layers of composite resin are poured into the hole. With the help of a curing light, each layer hardens to a solid-state. When the final layer of the filling has hardened, your dentist will shape the filling so that it matches the shape of your natural teeth.

Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings are strong, tooth-coloured dental restorations that are made by combining metal with brittle and hard porcelain fillings.

A porcelain filling is created in a dental lab and returned to your dentist, who cements it in place in your mouth. It is typically necessary to schedule at least two dental appointments in order to complete the procedure.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are silver in colour and are often used to fill cavities that are in the back of a patient's mouth. They are made from a combination of metals such as copper, silver, tin, mercury, and more. 

While the silver colour may not be appealing to people who prefer a more natural appearance, they are a long-lasting option for molars that are subjected to a great deal of wear and tear.

Gold Fillings

A model of your tooth has to be created in order to make a cast gold filling. A mixture of gold and other metals, like copper and silver, are used to construct these pieces.

Much like the porcelain fillings, this type of dental filling is made in a dental lab and then returned to your dentist, who cements it into place inside your mouth. As a result, this type of filling typically requires at least two dental appointments to complete.

Contact our Stayner dentists today to learn more about the filling options we offer at Stayner Dental Centre.