Tooth Fillings
The practical purpose of tooth fillings is to prevent bacteria from re-entering the area where a cavity existed, causing more tooth decay. They have come a long way in recent years with many fillings made from materials that look like your natural tooth so getting a filling doesn’t mean giving up aesthetics.
Dental fillings can last up to 20 years but some last far longer than that. They are a way to protect a tooth damaged previously by a cavity. The filling is placed after the dentist cleans the cavity out and prevents debris or bacteria from settling into the hole left by the cavity.
Types of Tooth Fillings
Dental fillings can be comprised of several different materials and come in many price ranges. What you use for the filling depends on how you want it to look and the cost. Below are some options:
- Gold
- Porcelain
- Silver amalgam
- Plastic
- Composite resin
How Do You Choose a Filling?
Often, your dentist will have a recommendation for the type of filling that would best fit your needs and budget. Silver amalgams have been used for decades and are the cheapest but will show in your mouth. With so many other options available, it pays to look at all of them.
Gold
Gold is the toughest substance to use for a filling. It will last a long time and is considered to have the greatest longevity of any of the filling substances. It is also the most expensive. Usually, gold is recommended for back teeth where you do most of your chewing and where it won’t be as visible.
Porcelain
The beauty of using porcelain for a filling is that it looks just like your natural tooth. It has the same texture and color and many people like that. It’s also an expensive filling but doesn’t have the longevity of gold. It is estimated to last around 10 years.
Composite Resin
Composite resin fillings are popular because they are a good compromise between looks, function, and cost. Resin is a plastic component but it’s mixed with other hardeners to make the filling. The filling looks like your natural tooth, functions well as you chew, and is affordable. It doesn’t have the longevity of gold but it is comparable to porcelain in looks and longevity.
