Did you know there are as many types of dental fillings as there are flavors of ice cream? Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration. Still, when you visit the dentist with a cavity, there are many filling options. Most of us just sit in the chair, open our mouths, and let the dentist work his or her magic. But have you ever stopped to consider what the dentist is filling and restoring your decayed or broken tooth with?
Five types of dental fillings
There are five basic kinds of dental filing material. The dentist decides which type to use based on the degree of the decay, the cost of the material, and the type of dental insurance you have.
- Dental amalgam, or silver fillings, have been used to fill cavities for more than 150 years. Dental amalgam is the most common type of dental filling. It’s strong, durable, and less expensive than other types.
- Composite fillings, or white fillings, are popular because the color matches the rest of your teeth. Composite fillings are a combination of resin and plastic. They are more aesthetically pleasing than silver fillings, but are also less durable.
- Ceramic fillings are durable and visually appealing (tooth-colored), but they are expensive. They are made of porcelain and have been shown to be resistant to staining.
- Glass ionomers are typically used on children whose teeth are still changing. Constructed from glass and acrylic, glass ionomers are designed to last fewer than five years. The benefit of these dental fillings is that they release fluoride, which protects the changing tooth from further decay.
- Unless you’re a rock or movie star, gold fillings aren’t common. While a gold filling is durable, non-corrosive, and can last more than 15 years, it not only takes more than one dental visit to place, but, as you can imagine, it is expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Dental Filling
What are the main types of dental fillings available today?
Most dentists offer five main options: dental amalgam (silver), composite resin (white or tooth-colored), ceramic (porcelain), glass ionomer, and gold. Each material offers a different balance of strength, appearance, durability, and cost, so the best choice depends on the size and location of the cavity being treated.
How does a dentist decide which filling material is best for a cavity?
Dentists typically weigh several factors together, including how much tooth structure needs to be restored, where the cavity sits in the mouth, how visible the filling will be when you smile or talk, how much chewing force that tooth experiences, and what your dental insurance plan covers.
What’s the difference between silver (amalgam) and white (composite) fillings?
Amalgam, or silver, fillings are a metal alloy that has been used in dentistry for more than 150 years; they’re strong, durable, and generally the least expensive option. Composite, or white, fillings are made from a resin and plastic blend that matches the color of natural teeth, giving a more cosmetically discreet result, though they can wear less durably than amalgam in high-pressure biting areas.
How long do dental fillings typically last?
Lifespan depends on the material and on how much chewing force a tooth handles. Amalgam and composite fillings commonly hold up well for years with routine care, glass ionomer fillings tend to have a shorter lifespan and are often reserved for lower-stress situations, and gold fillings are among the most durable, frequently lasting well over a decade.
Will dental insurance cover the cost of a filling?
Coverage varies by plan and by material. Many dental insurance plans cover a substantial portion of the cost for amalgam and composite fillings since they’re considered standard treatments, while premium materials such as gold or ceramic may be covered at a lower rate or treated as an upgrade. Checking directly with your insurance provider or our office is the best way to confirm what your specific plan covers.
For more information about fillings, or to schedule an appointment with the doctor, please give us a call at our convenient Houma, Louisiana office!
