Composite Resin -- Don't like the look of amalgam fillings? Composite resin fillings may be the way to go. This type of cavity filling is best for those who care a lot about aesthetics as well as function because they match the natural color of your teeth. That makes composite dental fillings perfect for patients who don't want to smile showing front teeth with a touch of silver (which may turn bluish-gray over time). Composite dental fillings are also versatile enough to repair a chipped tooth, broken tooth or worn teeth. They are not as economical as amalgam fillings and also don't last as long.
Cast Gold -- Where there's silver, there's usually gold. The same is true for dental fillings. A gold tooth filling is 10 times more expensive than most, but they are also more durable, lasting up to 35 years. Unlike other types of dental fillings, a gold cavity filling requires up to two dental office visits to place and, obviously, don't look like natural teeth.
Ceramic -- Another tooth-colored dental filling alternative to composite resin fillings are ceramic fillings, which are often made of porcelain, making them more resistant to staining. They are chemically bonded to natural teeth which can even strengthen them and may last for over 15 years.
Inlays and Onlays -- Dental inlays or onlays are more visually appealing, stronger and longer-lasting alternatives to traditional dental fillings, used when not enough structure exists to support a tooth filling or when a tooth is not so damaged that it needs a dental crown.
Temporary Fillings -- Temporary dental fillings are meant to last for about a month, and are used for a variety of situations:
- When there is not enough time or money to complete a full cavity filling procedure
- For dental treatment from an emergency dentist
- To follow a root canal
Watch The Filling of a Tooth
Learning about dental fillings is a great step toward restoring your smile, but the only way to put your knowledge to work for your smile is to visit a great dentist.
Click here to watch a tooth filling video
