The appearance of cavities can be due to many causes, including poor dental hygiene. So to remedy the appearance of these bacteria in our mouth, we soak our teeth. A filling involves emptying the tooth cavity where the cavity is filled and filling it. But what do we fill it with? In this article you know the types of fillings there are and how to know which one is right for you.
Types of dental fillings
In Gross dentists, dental clinic in Malaga, we have different types of fillings that best suit your needs.
- Amalgam fillings: this material is composed of mercury, silver, tin and copper. It is soft filler and is placed on the damaged part hardening in a short period of time. The advantage of this type of fillings is that it lasts over time. Although its dark color makes it unaesthetic, the amalgam also expands and contracts, causing it to cause cracks in the tooth. Currently amalgam is no longer used as there are other alternatives.
- Composite resin: consisting of glass particles and acrylic resin, this material is very common to apply when we have a cavity. A light curing lamp is used to harden the material once applied to the part. A great advantage of composite resin is that it is available in different shades and is easy to apply for small restorations.
- Porcelain: this material has the same tone as natural teeth and is durable. Using porcelain fillings come in handy for restorations of large parts, they are aesthetic and manufactured and placed on the same day.
- Glass ionomer: this material adheres to the tooth and releasing fluoride. This allows the prevention of caries and are not toxic. Although they are not durable or resistant like the above mentioned materials.
- Metal: the great advantage of this material is that they are durable over time, can last several decades and withstand strong bites. Due to their metallic color, they are not very aesthetic and need the removal of more tooth enamel for application.
How to choose the right types of fillings?
Depending on the location, size of the cavity or even the aesthetic that we want to give you, you will have to apply some types of fillings or another.
For amalgam fillings, it is usually used for posterior teeth, for its durability and support out of chewing. Instead, for the anterior teeth for its aesthetics, resin fillings are applied.
If you have a cavity that is very visible, the best option is a porcelain filling. Temporarily and for young children, the use of glass ionomers is common. If you want durability over time and aesthetics don’t worry, the best material is metallic.
Procedure for placing a filling
The steps to follow to make a dental filling are the following:
- Local anesthesia: We sleep the area where we will do the intervecion in the piece to avoid pain during the procedure.
- We clean cavities: by using dental strawberries, we remove the tissue that is composed of cavities.
- Placement of the material: the affected area is reconstructed with the types of fillings we use and hardened with a light lamp.
- We polish the fillings: the filling is shaped and a bite test is performed to ensure the comfort and functionality of the restored tooth.
You may have pain from the filling after this procedure, but don’t worry, because it’s common.
Tips for your perfect care
Some tips that we recommend to take care of your dental filling perfectly are the following:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Avoid eating hard, sticky foods.
- Visit your dentist regularly to check fillings.
At Gross dentists we are professionals in the care of your dental health. Performing different services. From a dental filling to the placement of dental veneers.
If you want more information about this or other procedures, do not hesitate to make an appointment with us.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.