Commonly used by dentists to restore decay-damaged teeth, dental fillings are a common procedure. The filling substance covers the space left by decay, restoring the tooth’s strength and appearance.

The form of filling utilized will depend on the cavity’s location, size, and the patient’s budget. Fillings are typically performed in a single appointment, but larger fillings might require multiple visits at a dentist in Lakewood Ranch, FL,

What Are Fillings in Teeth?

Dental fillings are used to restore minor to moderate tooth damage, such as cavities, cracks, and chips. Fillings are composed of composite resin, porcelain, amalgam, and gold, among other materials. They are directly applied to the impacted tooth, sealing the affected area to prevent further decay or injury. Fillings are usually employed to restore the tooth’s contour, size, and function.

What Kinds of Dental Fillings Are There?

As a standard element of oral health care, having a cavity filled, which is a crucial aspect of tooth decay, is performed routinely. When you receive dental fillings near you, the damaged part of the tooth is removed, leaving a hole or vacant space. 

Commonly, four kinds of materials are used to fill the space left by removing a cavity. Despite the fact that you may not always have a choice regarding the type of filling you need, it is advantageous to grasp the benefits and drawbacks associated with each.

  • Silver Amalgam Fillings

This is the most prevalent filling variety. Silver amalgam is a mineral mixture composed of 50 percent silver, 50 percent tin, zinc, copper, and 50 percent mercury. 1 Because it is inexpensive, robust, and durable, it is dentist’s popular choice!

There are, however, some disadvantages to using silver amalgam. It is unattractive, so it is not suitable for a prominent tooth. Additionally, the material may change shape over time, resulting in a fractured tooth. 

  • Composite Dental Fillings

Composite fillings are composed of plastic and resin that are soft when inserted in the cavity and hardened when exposed to a light source. Popular because it can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, making it less conspicuous than silver amalgam fillings.

  • Ceramic Restorations

These are made of porcelain, a durable and aesthetically appealing material. Ceramic fillings in dental restorations

Ceramic is more brittle than composite, necessitating larger dimensions to prevent breakage. This necessitates enlarging the space in your tooth to accommodate the additional mass. These restorations made of ceramic are often referred to as inlays and onlays.

  • Ionomer Glass Fillings

All of these glass-and-acrylic fillings are optimal for the developing teeth of children. They create fluoride, which aids in preventing further tooth decay. 

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