Dental Fillings
Explained

For many years, dentists have used dental fillings to restore the health, function, and appearance of teeth. 

Based on the material used, there are five main types of dental fillings, including:

• Gold. 
• Silver amalgam. 
• Composite resins. 
• Glass ionomer.
• Porcelain (ceramics). 

Nowadays, all these materials are available and provide an option to treat various dental problems. Each one will have its pros and cons, and the choice of the best option will depend on each patient’s condition. Contact our experts if you have any questions in this regard. 

First: Gold Restoration: 

Permanent gold fillings have the following advantages:

• Long-lasting protection, 10-15 years or longer. 
• Highly durable to withstand chewing forces.  
• Will not corrode easily. 
• For some people, gold filling provides an aesthetic appearance.

Disadvantages of gold filling:

• More expensive than other fillings. 
• Require at least two visits. During the first visit, the dentist takes an impression of your tooth, sends it to the lab to prepare the filling, and places a temporary filling until the next visit when he will place the permanent filling. 

Second: Silver Amalgam Restoration:

The amalgam filling is a mixture of liquid mercury and other powdered elements (50% mercury, 35% silver, and 15% tin, copper, and other metals). 

Permanent amalgam fillings have the following advantages:

• Long-lasting protection, 10-15 years or longer. 
• One of the oldest materials used for dental filling (more than 150years). 
• Strong enough to withstand chewing forces.
• Less expensive than other filling materials. 

Disadvantages of amalgam filling:

• Have a risk of cracking, which may require filling replacement. 
• Unpleasant appearance due to mismatch with teeth color.  
• May cause grayish tint on the surrounding tooth structure. 
• Risk of allergy in some patients (approximately in 1% of patients).  

Safety of Amalgam Filling:

Although mercury vapor exposure at high levels can cause adverse effects on the brain and kidneys, there is no evidence that mercury exposure from amalgam fillings results in such harmful effects. 

American Food and Drug Administration FDA has stated that mercury exposure from dental amalgam fillings may have a higher potential for adverse health effects in certain groups of people, including:

• Pregnant women and their developing fetuses.
• Women who are planning to become pregnant.
• Nursing women and their newborns and infants.
• Children, especially those younger than six years of age.
• People with pre-existing neurological disease.
• People with impaired kidney function.
• People with known sensitivity (allergy) to mercury or other components (silver, copper, tin) of dental amalgam.

FDA provides the following recommendations regarding amalgam fillings:

• Patients at a higher risk for the harmful effects of mercury exposure (one of the high-risk groups listed previously) may ask their dentist to consider other materials for dental fillings, such as composite resins, porcelain restorations, or glass ionomers.
• Patients who already have amalgam fillings should not consider replacing healthy fillings unless recommended by their dentist. Taking out intact amalgam fillings may result in you being exposed to more mercury vapor and losing more of healthy tooth structure. 

Third: Composite Resins Restoration:

The composite resin, which is also known as a white filling: is a biocompatible mixture of silica or glass added to a resin base. Silica gives white fillings a reflective property that is surprisingly similar to the natural enamel layer of the tooth. 

Permanent white fillings have the following advantages:

• Natural-looking results make composite resin a preferred option to treat worn teeth, particularly for front teeth.
• White fillings preserve the natural tooth structure as less dental material is removed (compared with amalgam fillings).
• Composite resin materials create a chemical bond with the natural tooth, which provides additional support for the filling. 
• White filling is a safer choice for patients at greater risk for mercury adverse effects with an amalgam filling.
• Isolate your tooth from temperature fluctuation because the white filling will not transfer heat and cold, resulting in a lower risk for tooth sensitivity. 

Disadvantages of white filling:

• Shorter lifespan compared to amalgam and gold fillings (usually for five years). 
• Have a risk of fracture based on the size and location of the filling. 

Forth: Glass Ionomer Restoration:

Glass ionomer fillings are made of special glass materials and have the following advantages:

• Glass ionomer filling bonded chemically with the natural tooth.
• Release fluoride, which provides additional protection from further dental decay. 
• Glass ionomer is commonly used to fill children’s teeth or specific filling sites such as below the gum line or at the neck of the tooth. 

Disadvantages of glass ionomer filling:

• Weak and prone to wear and tear.
• A short lifespan (five years or less) at comparable cost with composite resin. 

Fifth: Porcelain (Ceramics) Restoration:

Ceramics fillings provide another option for durable permanent filling that may last for up to 15 years but may require two visits to the dental clinic and are as expensive as a gold restoration. 

Selecting the Best Filling Type:

You need to discuss all available options with your dentist to decide on the best filling material for your condition. Several factors will influence this decision and usually include:

• The extent of the tooth damage.
• The location of the filling, such as on the chewing surface or the front teeth. 
• Duration of treatment (whether you prefer one or more visits).
• Affordability and insurance coverage. 

Our experts are ready to answer your questions if you need further clarification.

Maintaining Your Dental Filling:

The lifespan of a dental filling is closely related to the overall care of your teeth. Here are some tips that will help you keep your dental fillings for as long as possible: 

• Avoid hard food items like popcorn seeds, nuts, and some candies that can chip or prematurely wear your fillings.
• Visit our clinic at least twice a year for cleaning and general examination.
• Stick to healthy habits to avoid tooth decay, which can loosen or dislodge your fillings, such as brushing your teeth twice a day (or more), flossing, and using an appropriate mouthwash. 

Dental Filling at Infinity Smiles: 

As your smile is our concern, Infinity Smiles group provides the latest treatment options using advanced materials and technologies to maintain and restore the health and function of your teeth. With our services, you will get high-standard dental care from professional experts. Do not hesitate to contact our dentists or schedule an appointment for a consultation.