The Effectiveness of Different Types of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are used to restore teeth that have been cracked or worn down. Not everyone has a lot of information about the types of dental fillings, efficacy, impact on your health, and how effective they are. Dental fillings are sometimes misunderstood as only beneficial in tooth decay cases. Although fillings are most typically used to repair decayed areas of the teeth, they also have other functions. Fillers are often used to heal teeth that have been fractured or cracked. Many dentists prefer using silver fillings known as dental amalgam when filling a cavity. Seattle Sound Dental looks at the effectiveness and types of dental fillings.
What Types of Fillings Are Out There?
Silver amalgam fillings are the most common dental fillings. The filling is done using silver, a combination of tin, zinc, copper, and mercury. This type of dental filling is popular because it is durable, long-lasting, and less expensive than other choices. A typical silver amalgam filling can last for up to 12 years under normal conditions. In addition, dentists find it simple to work with because it’s flexible.
Another type of filling is composite fillings. Plastic and resin are used to make composite fillings. It is inserted into the softened tooth and hardened with an intense curing light. It’s a popular choice since it may be tinted to match the color of the patient’s natural teeth, making it less noticeable than a silver amalgam filling. In addition, composite fillings do not last as long as other varieties. They can last for five to ten years before needing to be replaced.
The other popular dental fillings are ceramic fillings created using porcelain material. Glass ionomer fillings are composed of glass and acrylic. Gold fillings made of an alloy of gold, copper, and other metals are also available. It is the most long-lasting type of filler.
How Can Dental Fillings Affect Your Health?
Dental fillings may cause health concerns ranging from persistent weariness to neurological issues such as Alzheimer’s disease. Fillings come with two significant risks: infection and injury. First, it can sometimes move away from the tooth when you obtain a filler, leaving a tiny gap. This is an entry point for germs, leading to further tooth damage and infection. Fillings in the cavities might sometimes break or fall out altogether. The fillings might be damaged by being smacked in the mouth or biting down on something hard. Both can create oral problems and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Getting a dental filling can sometimes be uncomfortable. This occurs soon following the surgery. Metal coming into direct touch with the skin can also cause gum inflammation, and red, painful sores, and ulcers in the mouth. It is advisable to look for a credible downtown cosmetic dentist to ensure that the fillings are fixed well to prevent infection.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Fillings?
The most notable benefit of dental fillings is that they may last up to fifteen years. If you choose porcelain fillings or cast gold fillings, you may expect them to last 15 years. Some of these fillings might survive for years.
If you require dental procedures done over multiple visits, such as a root canal, a temporary tooth filling can be used to allow the tooth and gums enough time to recover. This will prevent tooth cavities and infections.
What Are the Disadvantages of Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings can weaken the teeth, and this usually happens when some tissue has been removed first to install these fillings. Dental fillings can also cause sensitive teeth. It would be best if you were to look for a credible dentist who can install dental fillings in Seattle in a way that will not leave your teeth sensitive after the procedure.
Amalgam fillings can stain your teeth. This requires a stain removal procedure, and this needs the dentist first to remove the dental filling.
Some people may experience adverse responses to silver fillings. This is because the amalgam releases small amounts of mercury in the form of a vapor that may be inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. Mercury vapor exposure at high levels has been linked to negative consequences in the brain and kidneys.