Latest Dental Filling Options Explained

There are a number of different filling materials available at our Burton dentist. Let’s take a look.

Unless you have been very fortunate, there is a strong likelihood that you already have a tooth, or a few teeth, filled using one of the various dental filling materials that are available today. This is a strong and long lasting solution for most types of dental cavities that have been caused by decay. While other options, such as crowns, can be used for some restorative purposes, fillings are perhaps the most common restorative treatment offered by dentists today.

In today’s blog, our team at SG Dental and Implant Centre take a look at the materials that can be used for this purpose. The type used will vary from treatment to treatment, based on need and in consultation with you, the patient where appropriate.

Amalgam fillings

Given that this material has been in use for dental fillings in the western world for around two hundred years, it is not surprising that it is one of the best known. There are many good reasons for using it; in particular the high level of strength and durability that it offers. Amalgam fillings should last for around ten to fifteen years in general.

One of the reasons why amalgam has been around for so long is that, until relatively recently, there was little else available (apart from gold!) that could match it for these purposes. With other options now available though, its use is starting to decrease. While it is considered to be safe for use in tooth fillings, some patients have concerns about the mercury that is used in them. There is also general concern that mercury may enter the water supply as well and this is another reason that dentists are starting to move away from amalgam fillings.

There are also other things to consider when using amalgam fillings. In addition to its high visibility, being a dark colour, it also shrinks slightly over time and this can leave tiny gaps where bacteria can enter and cause further tooth decay. The tooth also needs to be shaped to place the amalgam and using other options can mean that more of the natural tooth can be preserved.

Teeth coloured fillings

The main ‘challenger’ to amalgam fillings are the increasingly popular teeth coloured fillings which we have available at your Burton dental centre. For some time, these were considered to be a weaker solution and were largely only used for aesthetic purposes on teeth that would do little biting or chewing. This is no longer the case, and this type of filling can now be used on most types of cavities. In some situations however, your dentist may advise an alternative where a cavity is large and on a rear tooth that comes under significant pressure when you eat.

White tooth fillings are made from powdered glass, ceramic and a resin base. This can be made to match the colour of the natural tooth it is being used to fill. This means that not only does it provide a strong and secure restoration, but blends in well visibly with the natural tooth. This is especially important on any teeth that can be seen when you smile.

Unlike amalgam, teeth coloured fillings bond well to the tooth and will not shrink with time, thereby reducing the risk of further decay. They also require less of the natural tooth to be removed than amalgam does.

Gold fillings

Quite a rare choice for obvious reasons. A gold tooth filling could cost towards a thousand pounds for a large cavity to be filled. While some people, such as pop stars, may find gold aesthetically appealing (and can afford it), most people will not take up this option. For those that do though, gold is a very strong and long lasting material.

Gutta percha

Gutta percha comes from the sap of trees that grow in Malaysia, Thailand and other countries in that area. Before its use in dentistry it was used in golf balls and electric cables among other things. In dentistry, it is used in one treatment only and that is in the root canal procedure. The reason for this is that it can be heated and then placed into the canals to ensure that it is completely sealed and no bacteria should be able to enter. In the majority of cases, a crown will be added to the tooth to provide extra strength and a natural appearance.

Glass ionomer

This type of filling is made from glass and acid based components. It is unlikely to be used in many fillings as it provides little strength. It can be used though for protecting non biting areas such as the neck of a tooth where it has been exposed. Glass ionomer, or GI as it is often called, also releases fluoride into the tooth, providing further protection.

The type of filling material that is used to treat your cavity will depend on the size and its location among other things. We will always discuss this with you and help you to make an informed choice as to the most suitable material to be used based on our recommendations. We have an experienced team here and you can be sure that you will be in good hands at our popular Burton dentist.

If you would like more information about any of the services that we offer, whether that be restorative or cosmetic dentistry, or simply to make an appointment with us, please call SG Dental and Implant Centre today on 01283 845345.