What to Know About Dental Filling Material Options

Dental Filling Needham, MA

When treating a cavity, your dentist needs to remove the decaying portion of the tooth and then “fill” it with a dental filling. The material is beneficial for repairing broken, decayed, and worn down teeth. Tooth decay only gets worse, which makes it extremely important to treat it as soon as possible. 

Using dental filling to address tooth decay  

Most people do not even notice when tooth decay has already begun in their teeth. Upon eating something, bacterial plaque forms on the teeth, converting sugars in food into edits acids. These acids break down the structures of teeth, causing decay. 

As the hard enamel breaks, the decay starts to penetrate into the inner layers of teeth. Eventually, a cavity is formed on the tooth. At first, tooth decay does not cause any symptoms. However, as soon as it reaches the dentin layer, it starts to cause pain since dentin comprises tiny, sensitive nerve endings. This can make chewing and biting painful. Cavities also make it easier for food particles to get stuck on teeth. 

Types of dental filling used to treat decay

There are various dental filling materials available out there. These include: 

1. Silver amalgam 

This dental filling material consists of mercury, tin, silver, copper, and zinc. It is durable and can also withstand chewing forces. It is also more affordable than some other materials used as a dental filling, like glass ionomer. 

However, the color of the silver fillings might not match the natural color of the patient’s teeth. Silver amalgam fillings are also more likely to crack as teeth expand. It is also prone to cracks and fractures, especially in the presence of hot and cold liquids. 

2. Composite resin fillings 

This involves filling cavities with tooth-colored plastic and glass mixtures. It can be micro-mechanically bonded to the tooth structure, which ensures extra support. Plus, it is quite versatile, as it can be used to repair worn, broken, and chipped teeth as well. However, it is not very durable. It takes about 45 minutes to fill up a cavity with composite fillings. 

3. Glass ionomer

These consist of glass particles. They are usually perfect for young children and cavities under the gum line. They also release fluoride, which protects the tooth from any further decay.

However, glass ionomers also have certain disadvantages. They are subject to wear and tear, especially fracture. They are also weaker than composite resin and generally last for around five years. 

Stop cavities in their tracks with a dental filling

The American Dental Association recommends visiting a dentist at least twice a year to get your teeth checked. It allows the dentist to detect cavities in their early stages before they cause severe structural damage to your teeth. Untreated cavities will eventually lead to the total loss of a tooth or infection when left untreated. When was your last dental check-up? Call or visit our Needham clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://needhamdentistry.com or call Needham Dentistry & Implants at (781) 429-3080 for an appointment in our Needham office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Filling in Needham, MA.

Related Posts

5 Treatments A General Dentist Provides

Regular visits to a general dentist are vital in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. General dentists are often primary care providers for dental health. They are specially trained to provide a wide range of services daily to prevent, diagnose, and treat oral health issues. This ensures their patients have healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles. The…

The Importance Of Regular Visits To Your General Dentist

Even if we do not like it, there is a reason our general dentist recommends routine visits at least every six months. In fact, there are several important reasons why we should get into the habit of going to the dentist for regular visits as often as is necessary or as is told. The visits…

FAQ About Services Offered By General Dentists

Dental care plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. General dentists provide various services to help individuals achieve optimal oral health. This blog will explore the most commonly asked questions about general dentists and explain their diverse services.General dentistry is a type of dental care focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating…

The Benefits Of Routine Dental Visits At A General Dentist

Visiting a general dentist on a routine basis is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your oral and overall health. Routine dental visits allow your dentist to identify and treat any oral health issues before they become more intense and expensive problems in the future. This blog will explore the…