Getting Up to Speed on Cavity Fillings

Everyone knows what a dental filling is. That’s not in contention, of course. But what often happens with something that is common and known about but not fully understood has befallen fillings. No one seems to understand what they’re made of and how they work.

I’m sure most would agree or understand that a filling is a type of real metal, and I’m sure that’s only the case because of the (usually) metallic luster a filling gives off. Whether you had fillings put in when you were younger or knew of someone that did, everyone understands the basic idea of having your teeth filled. It’s essentially a cavity that has been removed by the dentist, and the hole left in your tooth is drilled out a little more and filled by metal to keep your tooth strong and able to handle daily chewing and talking.

So what are all the types of filling? Let’s look at the two basic types.

Composite resin.

This is my choice, if only because I’ve always had them and they don’t really make themselves known. Considering it’s tooth colored, most people prefer to opt for a solution like this simply to hide any imperfections they may have. And I get that. But composite resin is extremely pliable, which allows the dentist to work it into your cavity that needs filled. Just as well, it hardens once in the tooth and is extremely sturdy.

Silver amalgam.

On the other hand of the spectrum, amalgam is made out of actual metals which are then heated up, liquified, and placed in your cavity to cool and harden as well. Silver, tin, copper, mercury, and zinc are usually the different metals in amalgam fillings. And guess what? It’s been around for a century and a half. If amalgam has made it this far but started that long ago, you know something is up with the material. This type may not be as durable as gold (another filling option), but it holds up better and longer than composite fillings over awhile.

Just make sure you actually get your cavities filled and don’t spend too much time weighing the two. It’s as simple as do you want one material to last longer or the other to look better? Choose based on your preferences and you’re set. Cavities are ever prevalent, but the more the general public knows about them and the types of fillings out there, the more people may actually prevent their teeth from ever getting to that point.