Although the idea of getting a filling doesn’t leave many patients
excited, modern dentistry has made the process easier, quicker, and more
pain free than ever before. Furthermore, many scientific advancements
have been made which allow our patients to have stronger, natural-looking,
and longer-lasting fillings. In this blog, our Ventura dentist explains
the pros and cons of the most widely used filling materials.
Good dental health is vital for good overall health. Call (805) 295-8896 today to
schedule an appointment at our Ventura dentist’s office!
Gold
When it comes to fillings, gold has long been considered to be the “gold
standard” for materials. These fillings have many benefits, as they
are tough and non-corrosive, which lead them to last for more than 15
years! However, gold is far more expensive than most other filling options,
and will require multiple visits to be correctly fitted.
Silver Amalgam
For many years, silver amalgams were the go-to alternative to gold fillings.
This is because they offer similar characteristics such as a high degree
of strength and durability, but at a fraction of the cost. These fillings
can also expand or contract in response to heat, so it is possible for
them to crack the tooth. However, this can typically be avoided by a high
quality Ventura dentist. Although the name indicates that this material
is silver, it is actually a mixture of silver with other metals such as
tin, zinc, and mercury.
Composite
One of the most popular options today are composite fillings, which are
a resin material made from plastic and glass. Although they typically
do not last as long as metal fillings, they are quite strong and are colored
to match your teeth. This results in a much more natural look that many
patients prefer. They are a bit more expensive than amalgam fillings,
but still much cheaper than gold.
Ceramic
Another tooth-colored filling option is ceramic or porcelain fillings.
These are very strong, typically lasting longer than composite materials.
Unfortunately, the cost is typically more comparable to gold fillings
than any other material. They are more fragile than composites or metals,
however, and can break or crack if not properly placed. Our Ventura dentist
is also a master ceramist, giving him the unique ability to place a perfectly
fitted ceramic filling.
Glass Ionomers
Glass ionomers are actually very similar to composite materials, as they
are made of acrylic and a certain component of glass. Many glass ionomers
are also reinforced with resin to improve their strength. This material
is actually commonly used as a “cement” to secure inlay fillings,
which are essentially fillings that are built outside of the mouth and
inserted later. This material is also regularly used for fillings in front
teeth, or for fillings below the gum line.
Our Ventura dentist’s office takes pride in providing patients with
the highest possible standard of dental care. Call (805) 295-8896 today
to learn more!