Cavity treatment is a routine dental procedure. The way dentists treat cavities is to fill them in after cleaning them out. The material used to fill in cavities is called a dental filling, which comes in a variety of types. The function of the filling is to prevent further tooth decay, prevent food particles and bacteria from collecting in the empty space and restore normal bite function. Dental clinics vary as to what dental filling types they offer. The type recommended for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Here are dental filling types, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Ceramic Fillings
Ceramic dental fillings are made of porcelain. Porcelain closely matches the color of teeth, which is why it is considered a great filling. Ceramic fillings are aesthetically pleasing, and with this type of filling, your dentist can create beautiful and natural-looking results. Ceramic is also stain-resistant, which means you won’t have to worry about discoloration as much as you would with other types of fillings. Ceramic fillings need to be created in a lab and thus may require two visits to completely place in the cavity. If ceramic fillings are not placed properly, they can wear away the opposing teeth.
Composite Fillings
Another tooth-colored filling that is highly popular is composite fillings. This type of dental filling is composed of different resins and is hardened using a blue light. Composite fillings may be used on the front and back teeth and are durable and fracture resistant. Dentists are also able to match the color and shade of the composite fillings with your teeth, making it one of the best options if you’re looking for natural-looking results. However, composite fillings take longer to place and are costlier than silver amalgam fillings.
Mercury-Free Dental Fillings in St. Paul, MN
At Hagerman Dental Care, we help our patients weigh the options that are available to them. Dr. Steven Hagerman will explain the pros and cons of each dental filling type and empower you to make a decision about your dental care. If you are concerned about cost, we offer affordable dental plans to our patients without insurance. If you have questions about our services or dental plans or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Hagerman, call our St. Paul dental clinic at (651) 646-2392 or use our online request form.