The Plethora of Dental Fillings

Growing up, I always thought dental fillings were a one-size-fits-all product. Of course, as I grew up, it quickly became apparent that there’s a great deal of nuance to these types of things. Different fillings serve different purposes, and it’s important to know the differences.

If you’re looking to get a cavity filled, or are about to undergo any sort of dental operation, I highly recommend doing some light research on the different styles of tooth fillings out there. While I’m by no means an expert, I’ve compiled a small list outlining the different types of fillings:

Types of Fillings

Metal fillings

Gold and silver are extremely common metals from which fillings are made. However, these fillings tend to be on the pricier side- gold fillings can cost as much as ten times as their silver counterparts! If you prefer the look of gold over silver, then it might be a worthwhile investment.

Ceramic fillings

Typically made of porcelain, ceramic fillings are less conspicuous than gold or silver fillings and blend in more naturally with the surrounding teeth. However, they are still pricey, and can end up costing around the same as a gold filling! People who get ceramic fillings tend to enjoy how natural they look.

Amalgam fillings

These are the most common, and also the least expensive type of filling out there. Amalgam fillings are made up of a hodgepodge of different materials, and they are also strong enough to fill in any cavities that may form in the molars. However, they tend to be the most noticeable out of any filling material which can be a dealbreaker for some.

Composite fillings

Composite fillings, as described in this post from Dental Expressions by Dr. Gary Bram, are also known as field resins and are made from a mixture of glass and quartz that is blended together to match the exact color of your teeth. They are also fairly durable, a feature that’s ideal for areas of your mouth that need to be strong enough to chew on a regular basis.

Power Through the Pain

Getting a filling is rarely a pleasant activity. However, even the best of us will eventually have to make that appointment one day. If you have a genetic disposition towards weaker teeth, you might not be able to avoid a cavity, even if you have impeccable dental hygiene and a perfect diet. While it’s still a good idea to brush and floss on a regular basis, it’s not always the case that this can completely eliminate the chances of a cavity forming in your teeth.

While no one wants to spend their lunch break at the dentist’s office, going in there with a decent background on fillings can make the process a whole lot smoother. If you think you’re going to need a filling, take the time to know the ins and outs of the process as a whole. Not only will you be more knowledgeable, but you can also go into the appointment calmer and more collected than you would be if you hadn’t read up on the process.