If you have a chipped, broken, or worn-down tooth, you can use dental fillings to repair the tooth and replace the missing portion. People who have had a root canal procedure can also use fillings to “fill” the cavity before. Here are the major types of dental fillings and how they differ from each other:
Silver Amalgam Fillings
Silver amalgam fillings are made up of mercury, zinc, silver, copper, and tin. They are perhaps the most affordable filling type, they are designed to last longer than 15 years and they can withstand significant chewing force. However, for an amalgam filling, healthy parts of the tooth have to be removed. After the filling, the compound causes some discoloration in the surrounding tooth structure. Furthermore, amalgam fillings expand and contract more than other materials when exposed to cold/heat leading to more cracks and fractures.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin fillings can be used to fill chipped, broken, as well as decayed teeth, making them the most versatile. They are also the most preferred option to replace teeth in visible areas since they are tooth-colored. However, they only have a life span of 5 years, they often get chipped after some time, and they are twice as expensive as silver-amalgam fillings.
Cast Gold Fillings
Cast gold fillings do not corrode and often last longer than 15 years, even with extensive use. While some patients find the gold color appealing, others think it is too obvious and pretentious. Gold fillings are the most expensive of the lot and they often cost about 10-times more than silver amalgam fillings.
Consult with a dentist to decide which dental filling would be most ideal for you. Texas premier Dental is one of the leading facilities in Cypress and you won’t find a better clinic to undergo your filling procedure. Call 281-206-0100 to set up an appointment.