Everything You Need To Know About Dental Fillings

Learn everything you need to know about dental fillings in our comprehensive guide today.

Did you know that 9 out of 10 adult Americans have at least one cavity? If you had a cavity and had it treated, you have a filling. You may have multiple fillings.

Dental fillings aren't just meant for cavities. They're used to repair teeth that are cracked or broken, and not all dental fillings are the same. What dentists use to fill your teeth now is far different than 50 years ago.

These are the most common types of dental fillings you need to know about.

What Are Dental Fillings and Why Do You Need Them?

Dental fillings are used to repair teeth that show decay/cavities. When your dentist spots a cavity, they'll want to drill out the decay and fill it to prevent further decay.

Your mouth is full of bacteria. Some of it is good, and some of it is not. This bad bacteria, plaque, clings to your teeth and turns sugary food to acid. This acid eats at your tooth enamel, and if left unattended, will cause major decay.

If left untreated, small cavities grow larger and will lead to further dental complications like inflamed pulp and infection. Your dentist, hoping to stem the tide of tooth decay, will drill and fill your tooth.

These fillings, made of various metals or porcelain, bond to your teeth and serve as a decay proof surface.

Even if you don't have cavities, your dentist uses fillings to repair cracked teeth, broken teeth, or teeth worn from grinding. These dental fillings are meant to strengthen weak teeth and prevent plaque and from causing further damage.

Dental Filling Materials

It might surprise you to know that dental fillings are 13,000 years old. Researchers uncovered a skeleton that showed the earliest signs of dental work. Through the years, people used materials like beeswax to fill cavities.

Up until the past few decades, mercury amalgam remained the standard for dental fillings. As scientists discovered the harmful health effects of mercury, many dentists turned away from this material.

It should be noted that many dentists still swear by amalgam for its superior strength and durability.

Amalgam

Used for over 100 years by dental professionals, amalgam is still the most reliable and most durable filling material.

Though no longer made from mercury, these fillings made from various metals provide superior strength at an affordable price. They are cheapest because they do not blend with your teeth' color.

Ceramic

Ceramic fillings blend in with your permanent teeth and are therefore more expensive. These fillings, made often from porcelain, are often used by dentists to fill visible surface cavities.

If you have decay or cavities you can see when you smile, a dentist uses ceramic to reconstruct your pearly whites.

Composites

Sometimes called resins, these fillings can also match the color of your teeth. Dentists often use these to restore surface cavities but will use them on your rear molars, too.

Though they are not as durable as an amalgam for rear molars where you do most of your chewing, many dentists and patients prefer these fillings for aesthetics.

Gold and Silver

Gold and silver fillings are still the most popular because they last the longest. These durable fillings last up to 15 years before you'll need to replace them.

The downside of metal fillings is appearance and cost. People don't like the sight of a mouth full of metal, and these dental fillings cost a lot more than their cheaper amalgam metal counterparts.

Glass Ionomer

These dental fillings made from an acrylic and glass blend look great. They also release fluoride to strengthen your tooth decay.

Though the fluoride release is beneficial for your teeth, these fillings get the least bang for your buck. They are very expensive and last the least amount of time. Most people need to replace these fillings within five years.

Care and Issues

fillings like gold and silver provide superior durability, they are often thought to be unattractive.

Fillings with a more pleasing appearance like ceramic, composite, and glass ionomer tend to be weaker and not meant for high chewing areas like the rear molars. Though they do work great for surface cavities.

Many people don't get to choose. Their dental insurance company chooses what fillings they'll cover and what they won't. No matter what type of fillings you have, you'll need to care for them properly.

If you have cavities, you're prone to more. Care for your fillings the way you'd care for any of your teeth with good oral hygiene practice. Brush at least twice a day or after meals. Floss on a regular basis. Invest in a fluoride mouth rinse.

Should you experience hot or cold sensitivity after a filling procedure, you shouldn't worry. It's common. If you experience extreme sensitivity, it's a sign of a greater problem.

Other bite pain may require a reshaping. The addition of a filling can cause an inadvertent change to your bite, which can lead to pain.

Through the years, your fillings will degrade. If you experience deep, throbbing toothache pain in a filled tooth, you will need a replacement or a root canal.

Types of Dental Fillings

The different types of dental fillings are all used for the same purpose. They fill cavities, prevent further decay, and repair damaged teeth.

Some fillings, like ceramic and composite, work great for surface cavities. Others like metal and amalgam work better for your rear molars. A great dentist can help you decide which material is right for you.