Choosing the right dental filling material isn’t always easy. There are so many options, and each choice has a list of pros and cons. You can always choose to just trust your dentist’s recommendation, but making an informed decision with the help of your dentist in Bloomington is an empowering act that puts you in charge of your own healthcare. Let’s look at choosing your dental fillings material.
Choosing Your Dental Fillings Material
Your dentist wants you to have all of the information you need to feel comfortable with your choices. To help with that mission we have put together an informative guide that outlines the types of dental filling materials and the situations that fit them best.
Gold
Gold is one of the more costly dental filling materials, but it is also highly durable. You can expect a gold filling to easily last 10-15 years with proper care.
Gold fillings also have an easily identifiable appearance. You may favor the look of a gold filling or you may not. It all comes down to taste, but a gold filling will never look like your natural tooth.
Before settling on a gold filling, have a conversation with your dentist to determine whether or not gold is the best choice for your individual case. They may have specific concerns that you need to factor into your decision.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a very popular dental filling material. It is also one of the more costly options. On the upside, porcelain fillings can easily last 15 or more years with appropriate care.
Porcelain fillings are also specially made to match the appearance of your natural tooth. They are somewhat resistant to staining, but you will have to be careful with strong dyes like red wine and coffee. Traditional dental whitening does not work on porcelain.
Porcelain is typically a safe option for most patients. However, there are exceptions for every type of dental filling. Have a candid conversation with your dentist to make sure they agree that porcelain is a good fit for you.
Silver Amalgam
Silver amalgam is a more affordable dental filling material, and it’s used frequently. They’re still very durable. With proper care you can expect a silver amalgam filling to last for 10-15 years.
Silver amalgam fillings do pose specific risks. They often require a larger space, plus they do contract and expand in response to temperature. In some cases, these changes may result in a higher risk of cracking and fracturing in your natural tooth.
Silver amalgam fillings also make the surrounding tooth look grayish. While research is still ongoing, some experts have expressed concerns that silver amalgam fillings may release small amounts of mercury.
Due to the downsides, silver amalgam fillings have lost some popularity. However, they remain a cost-effective option for many patients. If you have concerns about fracturing, metal allergies, or mercury leakage, talk to your dentist. This information requires far more context to fully understand the risks.
Composite Resin
Composite resin dental fillings are more expensive than silver amalgam, but they’re still fairly affordable. Unfortunately, these fillings do not boast the durability of other options. On average, you can expect a well-cared-for composite filling to last 5 to 10 years.
On the upside, composite resin looks just like your natural tooth. The material also bonds directly to your natural tooth. That allows for less drilling and better stabilization for the remaining tooth.
Composite resin is also a pretty safe option, but you should always discuss your final decision with your dentist.
Finding the Right Fit
When you get your dental fillings in Bloomington, you want to make sure that you choose an option that fits your current and future needs. With a little information and the guidance of your dentist, you’re sure to make the best choice for you.
