Thanks to dental technology, children don’t develop cavities as frequently as they did in previous generations. Dental sealants have prevented many kids from experiencing the pain of a tooth damaged by decay. Many of them have also missed out on the experience of getting fillings from their dentist.
Types of Tooth Fillings
When you need a filling, one of our dentists at Kids First Dental will have five options to choose from for your tooth. They are:
- Amalgam
- Metal
- Composite
- Ceramic
- Glass Ionomer
Amalgam Fillings
Dentists have used amalgam fillings for over 100 years. They are the gray-silver metallic fillings that consist of a mix of metals, including tin, silver, copper, and liquid mercury. Among the many reasons dentists use amalgam is because it’s inexpensive and lasts for 10 to 15 years before it needs replacing.
Metal Fillings
When the pre-molars and molars need fillings, gold and silver are metals that our dentists in Roanoke use to fill patients’ teeth. Since the back teeth are responsible for doing most of the chewing, the fillings need to be durable to withstand the chewing forces. Gold and silver fillings are made-to-order in a lab and cemented in place. They can last 20 years or more.
Composite Fillings
Composite resin fillings usually go into the teeth at or toward the front of the mouth where people may see them. One of our dentists at Kids First Dental will blend the materials for the filling to get the same shade as your tooth. They are not as durable as amalgam but can last three to 10 years.
Ceramic Fillings
These fillings come from a lab ready to insert into the cavity and cemented into it. They can also match the color of a tooth, but they don’t stain as easily as composite fillings. They are durable enough to go onto back teeth. Ceramic, or porcelain, fillings last for 15 years or more.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Since they are more fragile than the other fillings, they not used for the back teeth. However, advantage a glass ionomer filling has is that it can leach fluoride into the tooth it fills. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel and can remineralize a tooth over time. However, these fillings only last about five years.
If someone in your family has a cavity, then talk to our dentists in Roanoke about the best type of fillings for your family’s teeth.
Other Services
