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If you require a dental filling, there are a variety of options of materials for that filling. Some of the most common filling materials are amalgam, gold, porcelain and composite. In today's post, our Calgary dentists discuss the different types of dental fillings and which one may be right for you.
Dental fillings can be made from a variety of materials, including amalgam, porcelain, gold, and composite resins. These dental fillings are safe for use and are known to be long-lasting making them ideal for dental fillings.
Composite Dental Fillings
Composite fillings are plastic tooth-coloured fillings that look and feel natural when placed in a patient's mouth.
Composite fillings are the same colour as your natural teeth, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. These materials are also relatively easy to shape and mould onto teeth, and because they bond naturally to teeth, your dentist will not have to remove as much existing enamel during the preparation process.
In order to place this type of filling, your dentist will first remove decay from the tooth and then apply bonding material to the inside of the cavity. After that, thin layers of composite resin are poured into the hole. With the help of curing light, each layer hardens to a solid-state. When the final layer of the filling has hardened, your dentist will shape the filling so that it matches the shape of your natural teeth.
Porcelain Dental Fillings
A strong, tooth-coloured dental restoration is created by combining hard and brittle porcelain fillings with metal, which results in a tooth-coloured dental restoration.
If you receive a porcelain filling then it will be created outside of your dentist's office at a dental lab and then delivered to your dentist, who cements it in place in your mouth. It is typically necessary to schedule at least two dental appointments in order to complete the procedure.
Amalgam Dental Fillings
Silver in colour, amalgam fillings are most commonly used for filling cavities and damage to the molars near the back of the mouth. They are a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, copper, and tin, among others.
While the silver colour may not be appealing to people who prefer a more natural appearance, they are a long-lasting option for molars that are subjected to a great deal of wear and tear.
Gold Dental Fillings
In order to create a cast gold filling, your dentist will need to create a model of your tooth. A mixture of gold and other metals, such as silver and copper, is used to create these pieces.
Much like the porcelain fillings, this type of dental filling is made in a dental lab and then returned to your dentist, who cements it into place inside your mouth. As a result, this type of filling typically requires at least two dental appointments to complete.