5 Different Fillings

If you have a cavity, your dentist will remove the rotting portion.  This is when you will need to fill in that part of your tooth. Here are the different types of fillings to choose from.

Amalgam Filling

Mixture of: silver, copper, tin, zinc, and mercury

Durability:  Seven years or longer

Amalgam is great for filling in the back teeth, as this does not match the color of the teeth.  This can be completed with just one visit to the dental clinic. Beware, however, as unaffected areas of your teeth may be removed to ensure that the space is big enough. Since amalgam filling does not bond with the tooth, this can decay or tarnish over time.

photo from google

Cast Gold

Mixture of: Gold and other metals

Durability: Seven years or longer

                Since gold does not corrode, this type of filling is tough to endure your chews. If next to an amalgam filling, you may experience galvanic shock. This is when the two metals and your saliva produce an electric current.

photo from google

Ceramics

Mixture of: Porcelain

Durability: five to seven years

                Ceramic filling matched the color of your teeth.  When compared to composite resin, they are more resistant yet more brittle. There may be times that the health part of your teeth may be cut to make more room.

photo from google

Composite filing

Mixture of: plastic and glass particles

Durability: at least five years

                There are two types of composite filling:  the direct filling which is placed by the dentist using a dental equipment that lets out blue light and the indirect filling which fits your tooth for a laboratory to make the filling. These are great for the front of your teeth as they are of the same color.  Composite fillings can be used for small or large fillings as they bond directly to your teeth.

photo from google

Glass Ionomer

Mixture of: glass component and acrylic

Durability: Five years or more

                Glass fillings are usually used for cementation for inlay. They are also used for the front teeth as it is tooth-colored.  What more, glass ionomer discharges fluoride. It is ideal for children, as there is no need to drill the teeth.

photo from google

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com