Types of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are necessary when a cavity is present. Types of dental fillings, methods and costs all differ depending on the specific case and the dentist performing the procedure.
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Types
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The American Dental Association names two types of dental fillings. The first type is an amalgam filling. Amalgam fillings have been used for a longer period of time, and according to Ada.org are made of mercury, silver, tin, copper and sometimes other metallic materials. Amalgam fillings are silver in color. The other type of filling is a composite or resin filling. They are made from a combination of glass or quartz filler in a resin, and are tooth colored.
Pros
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Although these filling materials are used for the same purpose, there are some pros to using either amalgam or composite fillings. The American Dental Association lists numerous pros to using amalgam fillings. These pros include the fact that amalgam is the most researched and tested filling material, and is durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear and inexpensive. Amalgam fillings are also able to endure high chewing loads, so they are useful for filling molars, the teeth that receive the highest chewing loads. Amalgam is also patient friendly, resulting in very few allergic reactions. Pros to using composite fillings, as listed by Ada.org, include good durability, resistance to fractures and less tooth structure removal; composite fillings are also less noticeable and can be bonded.
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Cons
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The American Dental Association also lists cons to using both amalgam and composite fillings. Disadvantages of amalgam fillings are short-term sensitivity after the filling is completed, removal of more tooth structure to place the filling, and the unnatural silver color that is noticeable when the mouth is open. A con to using composite fillings is a longer time for filling placement, due to the requirement of a completely clean and dry working area when placing the filling. Composite fillings may also stain and become discolored over time.
Cost
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The cost of amalgam and composite fillings is fairly similar. Ada.org reports that cost is dependent on the material used, the size of the filling, and the technique used by the dentist. Other factors include what the dentist charges for her services, and the amount of coverage from the patient's insurance company.
Prevention
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Preventing cavities from occurring requires proper dental hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth at least twice a day, along with flossing daily. The ADA also recommends toothbrush replacement every three to four months, eating a healthy diet and visiting a dentist on a regular basis.
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