I Need a Filling - Are There Different Kinds, Which is Right for Me?

One or more of your teeth have cavities. The good news is that the tooth decay is not so advanced that you will end up losing the teeth. Now the focus is on deciding what type of filling would be best in your case. Many people are surprised to learn there are so many options for Toronto dental fillings in Markham. By spending time going over each of the options and learning about what benefits they provide, it will be easier to choose the material that’s right for you. Here are some of the more popular options that you can consider.

Plastic Fillings

One of the first options the dentist will want to discuss is the plastic filling. Unlike some of the other choices, these non metal white fillings are relatively simple to shape so that they look as if they are organic material. It’s easy to tint these dental fillings to match the rest of the tooth. In terms of durability and cost, this option is among the most functional and affordable.

Keep in mind that while plastic is strong, it may not hold up as well as some of the other choices. Our dentists in Markham can provide some idea of how long the filling will last and how to care for it as the years pass.

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Composite Resin Fillings

Composite resin fillings are examples of filling options that provide a wider range of benefits and tend to hold up well over time. With these Markham dental fillings, you have something that looks and feels a great deal like natural teeth. As the name implies, there’s more than resin in the actual filling. It’s the combination of materials that provides the strength and the durability.

White resin fillings are stain resistant, so they are likely to retain their appearance for a long time. As with some of the other filling types, they may loosen over time and require replacement. If you are leaning more toward non metal white fillings, this one is a good choice overall.

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Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings are often considered the first choice of many patients. That’s because the natural sheen of the material is similar to the gleam that your teeth have after being brushed. The material can be shaped to fill the cavity perfectly. Once the work is done, no one will ever know the tooth was damaged in any way.

Porcelain restorations are also popular because of how well the material holds up. Most of the precautions you would take to prevent damage are the same ones you would employ to prevent damage to natural teeth. This certainly makes the process of maintenance and upkeep simpler.

Like some of the other choices, porcelain is among the non metal white fillings that can be tinted to match the tooth and the surrounding teeth. When the tinting is a perfect match, no one will be able to tell that the tooth was ever damaged.

Gold Fillings

There was a time when metal dental fillings ruled the market. At that time, gold was one of the most popular choices. What you may not know is that it still remains an option that many people choose. This is especially true for patients who like the idea of converting a damaged tooth into something that shows off a bit of the person’s personality.

This solution for Markham dental fillings does provide quite a few benefits. In terms of longevity, this one may last for a decade or longer than some other filling materials. There are no worries about corrosion and you can expect the material to remain in place without any difficulty. The durability of the gold also makes it easier to chew without worries of damaging the filling.

In terms of appearance, gold can be used to repair front as well as back teeth. In fact, some people may choose to employ a filling on front teeth that makes it appear as if the tooth is encased in some type of design with a border around it. Every time they smile broadly, people get to see what looks like a star or other shape on what was once a bad tooth.

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Silver Fillings

For those who find white resin fillings or porcelain restorations a little dull, but think that gold fillings are a little too flashy, there’s always the silver filling. Like gold, this type of filling can be used on front or back teeth. It can also be molded into some sort of design on the tooth itself. In terms of durability, it lasts for anywhere from a decade to fifteen years and will hold up well even if you tend to chew vigorously. When you do want some type of decorate touch but believe gold is not for you, talk with your dentist about this approach.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings combine several different materials into a sturdy solution that many patients like. It’s not unusual for the filling to include tin, mercury, silver, and other safe metals. There may even be some materials that are not metal included in the mix.

While not bearing any resemblance to non metal white fillings, amalgam remains a popular choice. That’s because the fillings hold up so well over time. Especially when you need dental fillings for a molar, they withstand the pressure from chewing with ease. In appearance, they are likely to look a bit like silver fillings. The material is also likely to last longer than some of the other choices available today.

One factor to keep in mind is that amalgam fillings may be more sensitive to heat and cold than your typical porcelain restorations. That does not seem to be true for everyone, but if your teeth tend to be sensitive when you eat ice cream or drink a freshly brewed cup of coffee, keep in mind that the filling may intensify that sensitivity.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Before the discussion of Markham dental fillings is complete, the dentist is likely to touch on the idea of glass ionomer fillings. This option does tend to bond with the tooth material easily. There are also indications it releases a small amount of fluoride, something that can aid dental health in general.

One of the chief drawbacks is that the material is somewhat soft and does not hold up to abrasion as well as other types of dental fillings. That means you can expect to replace it sooner or later. If the filling last for five years, consider yourself lucky.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose which types of Markham dental fillings would be best. Go over every option from white resin fillings to porcelain restorations before making a decision. Once you settle for a solution like white resin fillings or a metal filling, rest assured the dental team will ensure it fits properly, protects the tooth, and provides the maximum range of benefits possible.