Taking Care of Cavities (4/4)
Tooth-Coloured Fillings
Composite Fillings
These are also called plastic or white fillings. Getting this kind of filling depends on where the tooth is in your mouth. We bite down hard on our back teeth (molars), so a plastic filling may not be a good choice here. Talk to your dentist about your other choices.
To do the job, your dentist cleans all decay from the tooth and puts a glue (or bonding material) on the inside of the hole. Composite resin is put into the hole in thin layers. Each layer gets hard with the help of a special light that your dentist holds over the tooth. When the last layer of the filling is hard, your dentist shapes the filling so it looks and feels natural.
Pros:
- These fillings will be the same colour as your natural teeth.
- They cost less than gold fillings.
- They are direct fillings, so they can be done in 1 appointment in most cases.
Cons:
- This kind of filling can break more easily than amalgam or gold fillings, and they may not last as long.
- They cost more than amalgam fillings.
- Recurrent decay is more of a problem than with amalgam or gold fillings.
Glass Ionomer Materials
These are only used in teeth where you do NOT bite down hard.
There have not been many studies about how long this kind of filling lasts. Newer forms of the filling may be stronger and may last longer. Research is underway to tell us more.
Pros:
- These fillings are the same colour as your natural teeth.
- They contain fluoride, which helps stop recurrent decay in the tooth.
- They do NOT have to be put in layer by layer. This makes it simpler than putting in composite resins.
- They are direct fillings and can be done in 1 appointment, in most cases.
- They cost less than gold fillings.
Cons:
- They are not as strong and will not last as long as other fillings.
- They cost more than amalgam fillings.
Porcelain Materials
These are the most common kind of dental ceramic used by dentists. They are hard and brittle.
Porcelain and metal can be combined to make a strong, tooth-coloured crown. The crown is based on a model of your tooth. It is made in a dental lab in much the same way as a cast gold filling or crown is made. Unless you have a bad tooth grinding habit or some other problem, a combination of porcelain and metal can be used anywhere in the mouth.
Pros:
- Dental porcelain is the same colour as natural teeth.
- These fillings last a long time.
Cons:
- For teeth that bite down hard, like molars, ceramics are not a good choice. Fillings can break.
- They are indirect fillings, so at least 2 appointments will be needed.
- They cost more than most other types of fillings.
This booklet should not replace regular dental visits. If you have questions about your oral health or the contents of this booklet, please talk to your dentist.
Dr. Molly Rodgers, General Dentist - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry to the area of Edmonton Alberta, Canada.
