Types of Tooth Fillings
When it comes to treating cavities, one of the most common solutions is a tooth filling. Fillings help restore the tooth’s function and shape, preventing further damage and decay. Not all tooth fillings are the same, however. There are various tooth filling types made from different materials, serving different purposes. Each tooth filling type offers different benefits depending on your needs and preferences. If you need a tooth filling and are wondering what tooth filling type would be right for you, read on to learn more about them. Understanding the types of tooth fillings can help you make an informed choice.
What are Tooth Fillings?
Tooth fillings are structures installed in a damaged tooth with the intended purpose of restoring the tooth to health. They fit in the space left in a tooth caused by damage or decay. They are most often used to treat cavities or cracked teeth, as well as after a root canal. The reasons for a tooth filling will often influence the tooth filling type that is right for the person in need of one.
Permanent vs Temporary
One of the biggest distinctions between tooth filling types is the nature of the tooth filling. There are two basic types, permanent and temporary. As the names suggest, permanent tooth fillings are intended to be installed for the lifetime of the tooth, whereas temporary tooth fillings are intended to serve as a placeholder until a permanent filling can be installed. Your dentist will let you know which type of filling they recommend at the time of the installation. If the dentist recommends a temporary filling, they will intend on replacing it with a permanent filling later.
Filling Materials
The biggest distinction in permanent fillings is the type of material the tooth filling is made of. The most common types of tooth filling materials are gold, porcelain, composite resin, and amalgam.
- Gold fillings are the most expensive type of filling and are made custom to order. Gold fillings are cemented in place in the tooth and are generally well tolerated by the tissues of the mouth. Gold fillings are durable and can last 20 or more years if taken care of. Gold fillings require multiple visits to install.
- Porcelain fillings are custom made and bonded to a tooth. Porcelain is a durable material, and it has a natural tooth color and shine to it, making it harder to notice in the mouth. Porcelain is also an expensive option like gold.
- Composite resin fillings are matched to the color of the tooth making them a good option for more visible teeth in the mouth. They are less durable than other tooth filling types such as porcelain or gold but are more affordable. Composite resin fillings work well for small fillings.
- Amalgam fillings are the least expensive. They are resistant to wear and durable. They are darker in color, however, making them more visible in the mouth. This makes amalgam fillings a common choice for back teeth.
Which is Right for Me?
Speak with your dentist to learn more about which tooth filling type might be best for you. They will assess your situation and let you know your options and the costs associated with them.