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Are Tooth Fillings Metal?

Tooth Fillings

In restorative dentistry, tooth fillings are the simplest dental treatment that overcomes tooth decay and oral cavities. Various materials are used for tooth filling which can be metal or non-metal. Depending on your cavities condition and several other factors your dentist Dee Why will demonstrate which type of material is suitable to restore your lost tooth. Let’s look at the different types of tooth fillings.

What are Tooth Fillings?

Tooth fillings or dental fillings are used to fill the cavity (hole) of your tooth to restore the shape, strength, and aesthetics of the tooth. It can prevent tooth decay and tooth trauma. They are made of different materials like amalgam, composite resin, ceramic, gold, and glass ionomer. Tooth fillings protect your teeth from misalignment and restore their original position. 

Are Tooth Fillings Metal or Non-Metal?

You might be curious about whether tooth fillings are metallic or non-metallic. It can be both depending on the type of material used. Let’s look at different types of tooth-filling material.

Metal Tooth Fillings

Amalgam Tooth Filling: This is the most common and ancient type of metal filling used to reshape teeth. It is made of metals like copper, silver, mercury, and tin. The filling lasts almost 10 years, followed by good oral hygiene and a proper diet. Its durability and strength make it a good option for tooth filling. Although, amalgam filling is the oldest method of filling to restore the tooth’s shape still it’s not suitable if you show signs of metallic reaction. It is less expensive than other types of tooth fillings. The only concern is that it doesn’t enhance the facial aesthetic and is visible due to its silver colour. 

Gold Tooth Filling: This type of filling is made of gold, copper, and other relevant metals to fix your chipped, broken, or damaged tooth. Dental Clinic Dee Why has highly qualified and experienced dentists whose main motto is to restore the lost smiles and pearly whites of their patients. Gold tooth filing is expensive compared to other dental fillings. The only drawback is that it doesn’t give you the natural tooth colour. 

Non-Metal Tooth Fillings

The non-metal tooth fillings are suitable for individuals allergic to metals or who care about their facial aesthetics because non-metallic tooth fillings give your teeth a natural appearance.

Composite Resin Tooth Filling: It is also called a tooth-coloured filling. Dental experts mix plastic and fine glass particles to make composite resin tooth fillings, depending on the number of teeth required for filling. The composite resin tooth filling restores the shape, strength, and aesthetics of the tooth structure. It matches the colour of your natural teeth and seamlessly blends with neighbouring teeth, making it difficult to differentiate between an artificial filling and a real tooth. The material is directly bonded to the chipped, broken, or worn tooth, strengthening the tooth structure. It lasts for almost 5 years and the colour can wear off with time. 

Ceramic Tooth Filling: Ceramic tooth filling is made of porcelain and relevant material to match the colour of the natural tooth. Due to its resistance, it lasts longer than composite resin toothfilling. The biocompatibility and durability of the ceramic fillings make it a good option, especially for people seeking to improve their facial aesthetics. It is more expensive than amalgam and composite resin filling.

Glass Ionomer Tooth Filling: It is made of acrylic and glass material suitable for children’s temporary tooth filling. It is usually bonded in an area that doesn’t require chewing or biting, like along the gum line. Mostly, it is used as a temporary filling so if you’re choosing a permanent tooth filling then glass ionomer is not a good choice.

When to Visit A Dentist?

If you feel any discomfort or pain in your tooth filling, immediately visit your dentist. An infection may occur in your teeth which needs an immediate removal and your dentist can prevent it from spreading. Let’s look at other reasons to visit the dentist.

  • Bleeding from gums
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Allergic to material
  • Tooth infection
  • Inflammation 
  • Extreme and constant tooth pain
  • Difficulty while chewing or biting 

Conclusion

In conclusion, tooth fillings are made of metal and they are more durable and long-lasting than non-metal tooth fillings. The only drawback is that metal tooth fillings don’t blend with adjacent teeth due to the unavailability of the natural tooth colour. If you’re concerned about your facial aesthetics you can choose non-metal tooth fillings. Furthermore, to clear your confusion you can seek consultation from your Dee Why Dentist. Discuss your dental anxieties with your dentist, it would be a great help to you in getting a successful dental treatment.

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