Services Offered
Types of Fillings
Cast Gold Fillings
Advantages of cast gold fillings:
Durability - lasts at least 10 to 15 years, usually longer; doesn't corrode
Strength - can withstand chewing forces
Aesthetics - some patients find gold more pleasing to the eye than silver, amalgam fillings
Disadvantages of cast gold fillings:
Expense - gold cast fillings are more than other materials; up to 10 times higher than cost of amalgam
filings
Additional office visits - requires at least two office visits to place
Galvanic shock - a gold filling placed immediately next to a silver, amalgam filling can cause a sharp pain
(galvanic shock) to occur. The interaction between the metals and saliva causes an electric current to
occur - it's a rare occurrence, however
Aesthetics - most patients don't like any "colored" fillings
Silver Fillings (Amalgams)
Advantages of silver fillings:
Durability - silver fillings last at least 10 to 15 years and usually outlasts composite fillings
Strength - can withstand chewing forces
Expense - is less expensive than composite fillings
Disadvantages of silver fillings:
Poor aesthetics - silver fillings don't match the color of your natural teeth
Destruction of more tooth structure - healthy parts of the tooth must often be removed to make a space
large enough to hold the amalgam filling
Discoloration - amalgam fillings can create a grayish hue to the surrounding tooth structure
Cracks and fractures - although all teeth expand and contract in the presence of hot and cold liquids,
which ultimately can cause the tooth to crack orfracture, amalgam material - in comparison with
other filling materials - may experience a wider degree of expansion and contraction and lead to a
higher incidence of cracks and fractures
Allergic reactions - a small percentage of people, approximately 1%, are allergic to the mercury present
in amalgam restorations
Tooth-colored Composites
Advantages of composites:
Aesthetics - the shade/color of the composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth;
is particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth
Bonding to tooth structure - composite fillings actually chemically bond to tooth structure, providing further
support to the tooth
Versatility in uses - in addition to use as a filling material for decay, composite fillings can also be used to
repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth
Tooth-sparing preparation - sometimes less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with amalgams
when removing decay and preparing for the filling
Disadvantages of composites:
Lack of durability - composite fillings wear out sooner than amalgams (lasting at least 5 years compared
with at least 10 to 15 for amalgams); in addition, they may not last as long as amalgams under the
pressure of chewing and particularly if used as the filling material for large cavities
Increased chair time - because of the process to apply the composite material, these fillings can take up to
20 minutes longer than amalgams to place
Additional visits - if composites are used for inlays or onlays, more than one office visit may be required
Chipping - depending on location, composite materials can chip off the tooth
Expense - composite fillings can cost up to twice the cost of amalgams
In addition to tooth-colored, composite resin fillings, two other tooth-colored fillings exist - ceramics and glass ionomer.
Other Filling Types
Ceramics. These fillings are made most often of porcelain, are more resistant to staining than composite resin material but are also more abrasive. This material generally lasts more than 15 years and can cost as much as gold.
Glass ionomer is made of acrylic and a specific type of glass material. This material is most commonly used for fillings below the gum line and for fillings in young children (drilling is still required). Glass ionomers release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from further decay. However, this material is weaker than composite resin and is more susceptible to wear and prone to fracture. Glass ionomer generally lasts 5 years or less with costs comparable to composite resin.
Smile Shine Dental dentists will discuss the possibilities decide with you which is the best choice for your circumstances.
Compare the benefits and advantages of the different types of fillings below.
Dr. Jas Grewal, DDS
CALL:
(209) 895-5440
