What Are the Three Most Common Types of Dental Fillings?

 
 

Fillings are used to treat decayed teeth. A dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth, and then fill the space left behind with a material collaboratively chosen by the patient and the dentist. There are many materials that can be used for a filling.

The three most commonly used materials are:

  • Gold. Gold fillings are made from mostly gold, combined with other metals. The average gold filling is 75% gold, while the other 25% may be a mix of silver, palladium, or other minor metals. Gold fillings may not be the most natural looking, but they are strong and durable which makes them a great option for back molars.

  • Ceramic. Made from high-quality ceramic material, ceramic fillings are not as strong as gold, but they are chemically bonded to the tooth, increasing their strength. Ceramic fillings are popular because they are tooth-colored and inconspicuous, making them ideal for more visible teeth, like incisors and canines.

  • Composite. Composite fillings are made with an adhesive-like material that is applied to your tooth directly. The material has a multifaceted composition with a light-sensitive element; after the material is applied and shaped, the dentist directs a high-powered light onto the filling to cure and harden the shape. This composite material is tooth-colored, making it indistinguishable from the natural tooth. Composite fillings are the most common and most recommended type of filling because of the ease of application, their natural appearance, and durability.

If you are in need of a filling or two, visit Midland Dental & Oasis Kids and Orthodontics in Roy, Utah. We will help you decide which type of filling is best for you!

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