Why is Tooth Feeling Important?
This filling is beneficial to limit the damage and decay that happens so that you can prevent additional problems in the future. The undamaged section of the tooth is protected by the dental filling. Tooth fillings are beneficial because they restore the original function of the tooth.
What type of Filling materials are available?
Gold Fillings:
Advantages of cast gold fillings:
- Durability -- lasts at least 10 to 15 years and usually longer; doesn't corrode
- Strength -- can withstand chewing forces
- Aesthetics -- some patients find gold more pleasing to the eye than silver amalgam fillings.
Silver Fillings:
- Durability -- silver fillings last at least 10 to 15 years and usually outlasts composite (tooth-colored) fillings.
- Strength -- can withstand chewing forces
- Expense -- may be less expensive than composite fillings
Tooth-colored Composites:
- Aesthetics -- the shade/color of the composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. Composites are particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth.
- Bonding to tooth structure -- composite fillings micro-mechanically bond to tooth structure, providing further support.
- Versatility -- 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 amalgam fillings when removing decay and preparing for the filling.
