Dental Fillings: Types, Materials & What They Are For

Tooth cavities are a common problem for both adults and children. If they are not treated, cavities can lead to more serious issues like abscesses or even tooth loss. The good news is that if cavities are caught early, the decay can be removed. The tooth can be filled with a material called a dental filling.

Dental fillings are used to fill the space left by cavities. There are several types available to make the tooth surface even. Let’s explore more about these here.

Introduction to Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to close off the decayed part of a tooth. They can also help fix cracked or broken teeth, as well as support weakened teeth. By sealing the area, fillings prevent bacteria from getting in and causing more decay.

Usually, a drill is used to clean out and smooth the decayed part of the tooth. After that, the hole is filled with a material called a filling. You and your dentist will decide together what type of filling is best for you.

Different Types of Dental Fillings You Need to Know.

Here are different types of dental fillings to know:

Temporary Tooth Fillings

Temporary fillings are used when a tooth needs a more permanent filling, but you can’t get an appointment right away. They are a short-term solution for patients who need a little more time to schedule their visit. These temporary fillings can last up to six weeks, giving you enough time to make an appointment.

Direct Fillings

Direct fillings are made and placed right in your mouth by your dentist. This process doesn’t need a dental lab or a temporary filling. So, you only need one visit to the office.

Indirect Fillings

Indirect fillings are made by a dental technician in a lab before your dentist puts them in your mouth. This usually takes two visits: one to take impressions of your teeth and another to place the filling.  

However, if your dentist uses CAD/CAM technology, they might be able to create and place your indirect filling all in one appointment.

Inlays and onlays are two common types of indirect fillings. Dentists use them when a tooth is too damaged for a regular filling but not damaged enough to need a crown. They fit into the existing tooth structure like little puzzle pieces. This is providing extra support.

“You don’t have to floss all your teeth; just the ones you want to keep."

– Schizopolis

Types of Dental Fillings Materials  

Dental fillings are usually made with a variety of materials. These materials range from gold to ceramic. Let’s explore some of the widely adapted dental filling materials here.  

So, here we go:

Ceramic or Porcelain Fillings

Ceramic fillings are a popular choice. This is because they match the color of your teeth and resist stains better than composite fillings. They can last more than 15 years. This makes them a great option for filling a tooth.  

Ceramic fillings are very durable as they are made from porcelain. However, they do have some downsides. They tend to be more expensive than other types of fillings. If the porcelain becomes rough or brittle, it might wear down the enamel on nearby teeth.

Amalgam Fillings

Silver amalgam fillings are known for being very strong and can last up to 15 years. However, there are some drawbacks. Many people don’t like silver fillings because they don’t look as good as ceramic fillings.  

Over time, silver fillings can expand, which may cause the tooth to crack. Additionally, silver fillings contain mercury, which is a neurotoxin that can have serious side effects. These include issues with coordination, vision, speech, walking, hearing, and muscle weakness.

Composite Resin Fillings

Composite fillings, like ceramic fillings, match the color of your teeth, making them a good choice for front teeth or other visible areas. They can not only fill cavities but also fix broken or chipped teeth. Applying composite fillings typically takes about twenty minutes longer than silver fillings.  

If they are used for inlay or onlay procedures, you may need more than one visit to finish the process.

However, composite fillings are not as durable as silver fillings. They usually last around five years, compared to up to fifteen years for silver fillings. They also tend to be more expensive than silver fillings.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are made from acrylic. It is a special type of glass. They are often used for fillings below the gum line and for young children, although drilling is still needed. One of the benefits of glass ionomer is that it releases fluoride. It helps protect the tooth from further decay.

However, glass ionomer fillings are weaker than composite resin fillings. This is making them more likely to wear down or break. They usually last around five years or even less, and their cost is similar to composite resin. The newer types of glass ionomer fillings have a longer lifespan.  

They can perform as well as composite fillings when used in the right places.