Options for Dental Filling Materials

Once a dental cavity has been detected, the decayed area has been removed, and the tooth has been cleaned and prepared, it will be time for the dental filling! There are a number of different types of dental fillings in our Severance, Colorado dental office, each with some pros and cons to consider.

Types of Dental Fillings

Below are the types of dental fillings offered in our office and a few things to consider about each option:

• Gold – Gold is a very durable filling and will last longer than the other materials. However, because it is crafted from precious metal, a gold filling will be more expensive. Gold is also a noticeable color in the mouth.
• Metal Amalgam – A metal amalgam filling is made up of several metallic elements including tin, silver, mercury, and copper. This is also a durable but much more noticeable option. If you’re concerned about a metal allergy, please let us know.
• Composite Resin – These fillings are both durable and less noticeable, as they are color-matched to the tooth. Composite resin fillings are made of powdered glass and acrylic resin and may be more expensive than metal amalgam, but less obvious.
• Ceramic – Lastly, ceramic fillings have the benefit of being virtually unnoticeable, but are a more expensive option. Ceramic fillings also have a decreased chance of stains than composite resin fillings.

We here at Severance Dental are happy to discuss your dental filling options with you. Molars will require more durable fillings than front teeth and front teeth will require more aesthetic considerations than molars. Additionally, some insurances will only cover certain filling types, so it’s important to know this information beforehand as well.

For more information, or to make an appointment at our office, please contact Severance Dental today.