Dental Fillings: Traditional vs. Modern Materials
Traditional dental fillings, often silver amalgam, are renowned for their durability—ideal for teeth enduring high chewing pressures, typically at the mouth’s rear.
Modern alternatives, such as ceramic and composite resins, closely resemble natural teeth. Primarily chosen for front teeth aesthetics, they’re also suitable for back teeth, contingent upon decay severity.
Choosing the Right Dental Filling
The effectiveness, durability, lifespan, and cost of dental restorations hinge on:
- Filling material composition.
- Remaining tooth structure.
- Filling placement methodology.
- Anticipated chewing load on the tooth.
- Required visits for tooth preparation and adjustments.
Prior to initiating treatment, your dentist will outline available options, guiding you to an informed choice. Grasping the fundamental categories of dental fillings—direct and indirect—can facilitate this decision.
Direct Fillings:
Applied in one visit, this category encompasses silver amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite fillings. After tooth preparation, the dentist places and adjusts the filling within the same appointment.
Indirect Fillings:
This typically spans multiple visits and involves inlays, onlays, and veneers crafted from gold, alloys, ceramics, or composites. Suitable for teeth with significant decay but not requiring a crown, the process involves tooth preparation and impression-making in the initial visit. This impression guides a dental lab in creating the restoration. In a subsequent visit, the dentist secures the custom-made restoration, making necessary refinements.
By understanding these filling types and collaborating with your dentist, you can make an informed choice for optimal dental health.