Bacteria in the mouth can be kept at bay with regular dental care and natural defenses provided by your body, such as flossing and brushing. However, if you fail to take care of your teeth and gums, you are more likely to experience problems like gum disease and tooth decay. Tooth decay can be avoided by scheduling regular dental checkups. If you get a cavity, your dentist may propose filling it so that your healthy tooth structure is not compromised. Before your fillings San Ramon surgery, here are some possible alternative fillings to pick from.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
Because of its low cost, high strength, and long lifespan, this filing is widely employed in the dentistry industry. In contrast to its name, silver amalgam does not contain any pure silver in its composition. In addition to silver, zinc, copper, tin, and mercury, it also includes a number of other elements.
Silver amalgam fillings can keep your teeth healthy for at least 12 years. Dentists also like them because they are simple to place over the damaged tooth. Similarly, they are less likely to become contaminated by saliva or blood.
Composite Fillings
By combining plastic and resin, composite filler is created. Dentists generally use a blue light to harden them after placing them on the cavity while they are still soft.
Since composite fillings may be dyed to nearly mimic a patient’s natural tooth color, they are frequently employed in dental offices.
These fillings do not last as long as alternative fillings, which is a negative. Between every five and 10 years, you can throw them out and get new ones. It is also more costly to buy them.
Ceramic Fillings
Ceramic restorations are developed from porcelain, making them both visually pleasing and long-lasting. More pricey than other options, tooth-colored fillings are designed to blend in with natural teeth. They also outperform composite resin in terms of wear and stain resistance.
Gold Fillings
As a result of their scarcity and high cost, gold fillings are not widely used. It is not common practice for dental offices to keep them on hand. Because of this, locating them will be a challenge. Getting gold fillings placed requires multiple visits to the dentist to ensure a proper fit.
Gold fillings last a long time and resist corrosion well. A gold filling is also long-lasting; some estimates put the average lifespan at over 20 years.
Fillings Made of Glass Ionomer
Acrylic and glass are used in the creation of this type of filler. They are ideal for young children whose teeth are still developing.
Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride, which protects the teeth and halts further decay. They are not durable like the other types of fillings. A person with cavity problems can use them for a few years before they begin to wear out or crack. Composite resin fillings are more natural-looking than the conventional glass ionomer fillings.
If you are dealing with tooth decay, you would want to visit a dentist who can give you the individualized care you need. If you have questions about your teeth, you should call the office and talk to a representative or make an appointment for a free dental exam and consultation.
