Dentists have been incorporating dental filling treatment over the years. However, there is no one opinion about whether they are a teeth savior or a hidden hazard. If you are you also someone who needs a dental filling and is thinking about whether these fillings are bad? Here is all you should know.
Undoubtedly, dental fillings are an effective way to fix a tooth cavity or hole. With a dental X-ray examination, a dentist suggests you tooth filling for a decayed tooth. The material of this protective filling is different. Your dental service provider will advise a kind of dental filling material that is suitable according to your tooth location, its size, and how your teeth clench together.
Here are some major tooth filling types that are mostly used:
Dental amalgam or silver filling is made of silver, copper, zinc, mercury, and tin. This silver-coloured filling is strong and has more longevity. Dental amalgam fills the cavity in the affected tooth and requires some tooth extraction. It is easy to use, quickly hardens, is cost-effective, and a suitable filling option for large cavities.
It is a white, tooth-coloured filling material used for front and back teeth. This filling type easily bonds with the tooth surface and doesn’t need much tooth removal. Its main components are resin matrix, inorganic fillers, coupling agents, and initiators. Composite resin fillings are more biocompatible, aesthetically appealing, and versatile, but cost a bit more than dental amalgam.
GIC or glass-ionomer cement is another restorative material that is used to fill damaged tooth cavities and releases fluoride. It is the combination of an organic acid, like polyacrylic acid, and glass powder to bond with the tooth surface and provide a tight seal. GIC is mainly used as a temporary filling in baby teeth or near the gumline, to build the core of the tooth, to seal fissures and pits on the tooth, etc.
This dental filling type is made of gold and porcelain, which makes it durable and strengthens it. Gold and porcelain fillings are slightly expensive, and are resistant to staining. While gold fillings are noticeable and porcelain fillings are natural-looking and aesthetically appealing.
As we have learned about the types of dental fillings, here comes the real concern: are they bad? The answer is no. Generally, tooth fillings are effective and safe. However, sometimes they show sensitivity and allergic reactions.
There is a confusing controversy on the use of amalgam or mercury-based silver fillings on patients, as it may pose some health hazards to the body. Still, various dental services use amalgam or mercury-based silver fillings to provide a durable and affordable restorative dental solution. While many patients go for safer tooth filling options like composite resin fillings.
Once your dentist Dee Why treats your teeth with a dental restorative filling, you may feel temporary numbness, sensitivity to cold, hot, and sweet foods, but it takes only one to two days or sometimes more to recover from this sensation.
At Coastal Smiles, the trusted dental clinic, we are here to serve you with the best and affordable dental services. Our professional dentists are experts in dental fillings and use the latest technology to offer you a healthy and radiant, and bright smile. To learn more about our oral care services, contact us now.
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