Types of Dental Fillings

Did you know that there is more than one option for fillings if you have cavities? They include amalgam, gold, porcelain, and composite. In today's post, our Kelowna dentists share some information about each of the different types of dental fillings.

There are a number of different materials that can be used when it comes to filling in cavities and crevices in teeth. Some of the materials include amalgam, porcelain, gold, and composite resins. In addition to being safe and long-lasting, each of these materials has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. 

What are the different types of dental fillings?

Composite

Composite fillings are plastic tooth-coloured fillings that look and feel natural when placed in a patient's mouth. 

Composite fillings are the same colour as your natural teeth, allowing them to blend in with the rest of your smile. These materials are also relatively easy to shape and mould onto teeth. 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. At the very end, your dentist will finish shaping your teeth to make them fit in with the surrounding teeth.

Porcelain

A strong, tooth-coloured dental restoration is created by combining hard and brittle porcelain fillings with metal, resulting in a dental filling that can easily mimic the appearance of your natural teeth.

A porcelain filling is created in a dental lab and returned to your dentist, who cements it in place in your mouth. Unfortunately, these fillings will need more than one visit in order to be created and placed.

Cast Gold

Your dentist will need to create a mould of your tooth in order to have your cast gold fillings made. A mixture of gold and other metals, such as silver and copper, is used to create these pieces.

Much like 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.

Amalgam

Silver in colour, amalgam fillings are a common choice for teeth that sit further back in the mouth. They are a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, copper, and tin, among others.

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.

Would you like to learn more about the fillings that we offer? Contact our Kelowna dentists today.