If you haven’t had a filling before or it’s been a while since you’ve had to get one, you might be interested to learn that there are different types of dental fillings available these days.
Modern fillings are quite different from the old style silver and amalgam fillings of previous years. Let’s look at some of the new techniques and materials that have replaced older dentistry procedures.
What Are Fillings for Your Teeth?
First, just what are fillings?
Dental fillings are used to repair and restore teeth that have been damaged by decay. They effectively ‘fill’ the hole, also known as a cavity, which has developed in the tooth. Skilled dentists use fillings to build teeth back up to their original shape. This way, they can effectively align with your other teeth and prevent you bite from changing.
Fillings also stop cavities in their tracks. They reduce the risk of the holes becoming any bigger or causing damage to your tooth’s nerve, which is what causes that classic toothache.
Gold and Amalgam Fillings
In the past, dental fillings were always made from gold metal alloy or amalgam – a combination of silver, tin, copper and mercury. Mercury was also used to bind the materials together.
Because gold and silver are both quite visible in the mouth, some patients who have these older style fillings make the decision to have them replaced by newer composite materials, for a more aesthetically pleasing result.
Composite Resin Fillings
These days, composite resin is one of the most popular and widely used filling materials. It is made from a mixture of resin and small glass particles, providing a
very natural ‘tooth-coloured’ finish. This improves the aesthetics of your smile and can be invaluable for your self-esteem.
While they have their advantages, composite fillings aren’t as durable as gold or amalgam, meaning they may need to be replaced more frequently.
Choosing the Right Fillings –Talk to a Professional in Ipswich
It’s important to make sure any holes in your teeth are filled as soon as possible. This reduces your chance of painful toothaches, abscesses or the need for root canal treatments later down the track.
At Ipswich Family Dental Practice, we use high-quality materials including gold, amalgam, and composite resin for superior dental fillings. To enjoy all the advantages discussed above and more, talk to our team about dental fillings.
If you’re worried about a hole in your tooth or would like to have your older style fillings replaced with new materials, book an appointment at one of our dental clinics. Simply call 07 3281 1781 (Ipswich) or 07 3201 6767 (Brassall) or contact us online.
