When a tooth is subjected to trauma or has decay, a dental filling may be used to restore it. If a tooth is decayed, first, the decayed matter must be cleared.
Fillings can be tooth colored or metallic. When choosing between the types, a patient should consider durability, the potential for sensitivity, and aesthetics.
Several fillings are tooth colored, including dental composites, glass ionomer cement, and porcelain/ceramic. These tooth-colored fillings vary in composition. They restore the tooth structure while appearing to be part of the original tooth.
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| Composite Filling |
Gold and amalgam, an alloy of mercury and other metals, are also commonly used filling materials. They are not tooth-colored so aesthetic concerns are important when considering these options.
Gold fillings are durable but can cause irritation because they conduct cold and heat. They are very long-lasting.
Concern has been raised about the mercury contained in amalgam fillings but the American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that the mercury in amalgam fillings is not a health hazard.
Aluminum, tin, thorium, iron, and platinum have also been used for fillings.
Fillings, on average, last approximately 8 years for composite resins and 13 years for amalgam restorations. The lifestyle of a patient, including food choices and dental care regimens, also affect the lifespan of a filling.
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