Dental Filling Materials: Common questions answered
Filling
Dental filling materials play a vital role in our mouth. They not only block the path for bacteria to enter but also avoid further tooth decay. However we have been receiving patients who are not clear about dental filling and its advantages. This is the reason why we intend to write about it just to clear any apprehensions that you might have.
We at Dr. Sunil International Dental Center aim at providing the best and the most reliable service to our patients. Our clear conversation and reliable staff has made our dental clinic earn the badge of the best dental clinic in Thailand. This was all possible because of the trust that our patients have shown in us. We offer a plethora of dental services in Bangkok such as root canal treatment, wisdom tooth removal, dental filling and many more. With that being said let us now take a look at the questions which were asked by our customers.
Q&A’s for Dental Filling
I want filling. First tell me how many types of fillings are there?
There are numerous type of dental fillings. These include:
- amalgam (silver coloured)
- composite fillings (tooth coloured)
- glass ionomer (tooth coloured)
- gold inlays and onlays (gold coloured)
- porcelain inlays (tooth coloured)
What is an amalgam filling?
These are silver colored fillings. The composition of an amalgam filling is mercury and silver alloy. The total composition is 50% mercury, 35% silver, and 15% tin, copper and other metals. Amalgam filling is long lasting and you will be surprised to know that they have been used since last 150 years. The procedure is pocket friendly and can last for nearly 15-20 years.
What are the risks with amalgam?
Till now there hasn’t been any report of ill effects from amalgam. Once the mercury is mixed with other materials it does not remain toxic. For over 100 years researchers have worked on this procedure and have found zilch side effects.
What is a composite filling?
These are really strong but then not as strong as amalgam. Made out of powdered glass quartz, silica or other ceramic particles added to a resin base, they are tooth colored. Once your dentist has prepared the tooth, the filling will be boded to the area. After this a light will be shone on the teeth so that it can be set properly. Leave the shade part to the dentist as he will match the shade of your teeth. However as time will pass by your teeth will stain.
What is a glass ionomer?
They help in forming a chemical bond with the tooth but are generally not preferred for adults because it lacks strength. The only advantage of this filling is that they release fluoride which helps in preventing tooth from further decay.
What are gold inlays and onlays?
An inlay is a small filling which is placed within the surface which helps in biting. Onlay on the other hand covers considerably larger area of mouth. The reason why gold is used is because of its durability and long last feature.
Although the dental clinic will be using gold in the inlay and onlay, yet you should know that the gold is prepared in a lab. This is the advantage of gold inlay and onlay over other fillings.
What are porcelain inlays?
With the help of technology (CADCAM) your dentist will prepare porcelain inlays. These fit perfectly with the teeth and requires just two visits. They are hard and last really long. However the only disadvantage is that this kind of filling is slightly expensive.
Conclusion
Make sure to visit your dental clinic and seek as much information as you can from your dentist. It is better that you ask questions just to be sure of the procedure and knowledge of the dentist.
