Cavities in your teeth are due to decay. When you have one, the dentist needs to remove the decayed material and then fill the now vacant area. To do this, the dentist first uses a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. Then the decayed material is removed with a drill, laser, or air abrasion instrument. Once this is done the dentist cleans the area thoroughly. Then it is ready to be filled. How this is done will depend upon the type of material used for the filling. There are several different materials available and each has advantages and disadvantages.
Gold is a material that has been in use for many years. It is durable and very strong. It holds up well under chewing forces. However it is more expensive than other materials and two office visits are required to put it in place. Some people like gold as they think it is more attractive than silver. Other people don t like it because it doesn t match the color of their other teeth. Amalgam (silver) fillings have the same advantages as gold insofar as durability and strength are concerned. And they are less expensive. However, the dentist may have to drill out some healthy tooth area to fit the amalgam filling. They can also create a grayish tinge to the surrounding tooth area.
Amalgams may crack easier than other fillings in response to hot and cold liquids.
Composite resin fillings are preferred by many people because they can be color matched to the surrounding teeth. This is a definite advantage when the filling is located in the front teeth. Composites form a chemical bond with the tooth and this provides additional support. Composite materials are very versatile. They are useful for repairing chips or breaks in a tooth as well as for filling decayed areas.
Composites are not as durable as gold and silver. If they are used to fill large cavities they may not withstand chewing forces as well. They are also prone to chipping and they require additional time to put in place. The material has to be inserted in layers. After each one, the dentist has to apply a special light to harden the layer. And at the end, the material has to be shaped, trimmed and polished. They are also more expensive than amalgams.
Ceramic fillings can also be used. They are usually made of porcelain and are long lasting. They last as long as gold but they are just as expensive. They do resist stain better than composite resins. Another type of filling, glass ionomer is constructed from a type of glass material and acrylic. This material is commonly used for fillings for young children and for adults when the decay is below the gum line. These fillings can protect a tooth from further decay because they release fluoride. But they are not long lasting and fracture easier than composites. Yet their cost is equal to composites. However the best way to minimize dental expense is to practice good oral hygiene and have regular dental checkups so problems can be taken care of in the early stages.
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