One of the ways you can restore the normal functionality of your damaged or decayed teeth is by getting dental fillings. According to Dr Nihal Yadav, BDS (PGI Rohtak), Amayra Dental Clinic, Kaushik Enclave, Burari, Delhi, a former resident at Deen Dayal Hospital, Hari Nagar, a filling is performed by a dentist by first removing the decayed dental material, cleaning the impacted region, and then filling the hole with a filling substance.
Types of Materials Used for Filling
The type of material used for filling will depend from person to person. The amount of the filling, whether you are allergic to any materials, the location of the filling in your mouth, the expense, and your personal preferences will all influence what is best for you.
Gold Fillings
As the name suggests, the material used in this type of filling is made of gold which is made in the laboratory and fitted in the tooth. Gold filling offer certain advantages:
These fillings are durable and last for at least 10 to 15 years or longer. Another merit of this filling is that it does not erode over time. These fillings can withstand strong chewing forces. For those who care about their aesthetics, they are more appealing.
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However, they are expensive and require at least two visits to the dentist. But getting a gold filling next to silver amalgam filling can lead to the formation of galvanic shock, leading to sharp pain.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
As compared to gold fillings, silver amalgam fillings are less expensive but serve the same purpose as the former. They can withstand strong chewing forces and last up to 10-15 years and outlast composite fillings.
They are impervious to deterioration, but because of their dark colour, they stand out more than porcelain or composite restorations and are not frequently used in places that are highly conspicuous, like the front teeth.
Composite Resins
These regions are the shade of your teeth and appear more natural than the above-mentioned fillings. It is because of this reason they are used in the front or visible teeth. These fillings are versatile and can be used in the restoration of chipped, worn, or broken teeth.
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The mixture is put into the hole and allowed to sit there until it hardens. As they may chip or deteriorate over time, composites might not be the best substance for big cavities. They usually last between three and 10 years, but they are susceptible to staining from coffee, tea, or cigarettes.
Porcelain Fillings
These fillings are also called inlays and onlays and are made to order in a factory and then cemented to the tooth. Inlays are comparable to fillings in that they cover the full chewing area of the tooth within the cusps or bumps. Onlays encompass one or more cusps and are larger than inlays. Porcelain fillings are stain resistant and can be dyed to fit the shade of the teeth. Most of the teeth are typically covered by a ceramic restoration and their prices are comparable in price to gold.
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