What type of filling is best & why?!
Question: This is just a random question I thought of. What type of tooth filling is best (amalgam, ect) & why? If it's not the best type of filling, then what's the best? (Like if the hole to be filled is too large or if it's small enough to use a different type of filling.)
I was just thinking of this today since I have to get a tooth repaired. I'm going to be getting a crown, so the filling bit is really non applicable. Still, what's your opinion on fillings? My curiousity was enough that I had to post this question.
Answers: This is just a random question I thought of. What type of tooth filling is best (amalgam, ect) & why? If it's not the best type of filling, then what's the best? (Like if the hole to be filled is too large or if it's small enough to use a different type of filling.)
I was just thinking of this today since I have to get a tooth repaired. I'm going to be getting a crown, so the filling bit is really non applicable. Still, what's your opinion on fillings? My curiousity was enough that I had to post this question.
I really like dental composites. (the white fillings)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_comp...
They are strong, they adhere to the dental tissue, and they look like there isn't really a filling in the tooth because they resemble the tooth structure both in translucency, color and texture.
I am not very fond of dental amalgams, mainly because there is some concern about the exposure to mercury that they patient will suffer from it. Although there is (still) no scientific evidence about it giving the person carrying it significant toxic effects.
Additionally, they aren't quite aesthetically appealing.
I also like glass ionomers as coating of the cavity's floor (that is, the bottom of the cavity) because they don't shrink and they release fluoride. Their biocompatibility is also very good. In a root cavity situation I would use a glass ionomer filling.
Porcelain is beautiful, but it can be stressful to the opposing tooth and cause much wear on it.
i like porcelain. you cann't see them! when my amalgams need replacing (that is whey you know you are old) i always have them done in porcelain! costs a bit more, since the insurance will only pay for amalgam, but i figure the $100 over a 20 year period (or longer) is no big deal.
i just got a crown - was lucky, cracked a tooth on a bone in some sausage. it didn't require a root canal
more infor here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_fill...
A gold filling will last forever. A porcelain filling will look more natural but they tend to split/crack if you bite on something hard like a bone. Also, gold is cheaper than porcelain even though the price of gold has gone up a lot in the past year.