Tooth decay – One of the most common and prevalent oral diseases is something that every 3rd person suffers from. The only reason is the neglect in taking care of their Oral Health. While there are the awareness programs being held in various places across the country, yet people do not consider it to be important.

If you have decay in your teeth, then what according to you will be the treatment option for the same? If the decay is severe and the infection has reached to the nerves of the tooth, then a root canal is what you must undergo with. But if the decay is mild, then mere filling can solve the problem.

Obviously, your dentist is the only person who can guide you with the solutions, but a little knowledge of the same will not harm.

Dental Filling is a way to restore your tooth damaged due to decay, trauma or accident. The damage will expose the dentin which is the inner layer of the tooth making it prone to sensitivity.

If you are diagnosed with decay, then the chances of your dentist asking you to go for fillings is high. The type of filling your dentist will put forward will totally depend on your choice. There are pros and cons of each type of filling, your case and your need will decide what option to go ahead with.

Broadly there are two choices of Dental Filling – Amalgam filling which is a mixture of metals and Resin composite which is ceramic and plastic.

Amalgam Filling

Amalgam fillings also called silver filling is a mixture of various metals such as tin, silver, mercury, and copper. Mercury which is 50% of the total material is the main source which binds the filling together which offers strength and durability.

The pros and cons of Amalgam Filings are:

PROS

  • Durable – They last can last up to 15 years and is a viable option if durability is the concern.
  • Strong – The Amalgam fillings have high strength and can withstand chewing forces.
  • Inexpensive – The Amalgam fillings are less expensive than the Resin filling, as a result, is the wide preferred

CONS

  • Aesthetic Concerns – Because it is made up of metal, hence the color of the fillings will be visible and therefore, can be a matter of concern for many. It is due to this reason that they are mostly used for the back teeth rather than front teeth.
  • Destruction of tooth structure – Since this filling need a good space, therefore, a large space is created by trimming the healthy surface of the tooth which results in losing the healthy part.
  • Tooth Discoloration – The silver filling gives the adjacent teeth the touch of a greyish hue, thereby discoloring them.
  • Prone to Cracks – As we know that the metals expand on heating and amalgam because it has a high degree of expansion includes the high risk of cracks and fractures.
  • Allergies – Some people are allergic to the metals basically mercury which is present in much quantity in the Amalgam Fillings.

Resin Filling

These fillings are just right if you are looking for aesthetically appealing options. Since they match the color of your teeth, therefore, blends naturally. This is because they are made of ceramic and plastic compounds. Unlike amalgam filling the do not require large space and bonds well with the enamel.

The pros and cons of the same are:

PROS

  • Give natural appearance – Made of ceramic they are not visible and looks exactly like your natural teeth. If it is about the front teeth, then these are the most preferred choice.
  • Better Bonding – Resin Fillings bond well with the tooth enamel and required less area for filling. Due to this one does not lose much of the natural tooth area. This means minimal drilling to your tooth.
  • Versatile use – In addition, to be the cure for decay, they can also be used to treat the chipped, broken or worn out tooth.

CONS

  • Lack of Durability – There are chances of them wearing down if a large amount of force is applied and usually last up to 7 years.
  • More Dental Visits – Resin dental filling may take more than one sitting and longer duration to complete the process.
  • Expensive than Amalgam filling – The cost of resin filling is more than that of the Amalgam filling as the material used is high in cost

The final decision as to which tooth cavity filling to use will be yours in consultation with your dentist. He/she will make a proper treatment plan basis for your needs and requirement.

If you are looking for a permanent tooth filling option, then visit your nearby dentist.