Teeth fillings is a procedure that involves restoring decayed and damaged teeth back to its normal shape and function by the use of filling materials such as composite resin, gold, amalgam[an alloy of silver, mercury, tin, zinc, and copper] and porcelain. Teeth filling is done by removing the decayed teeth materials followed by cleaning the damaged area and finally using the filling materials to fill the already cleaned cavity so as to prevent further decay and also to fill the spaces through which the bacteria enters the teeth to cause teeth decay and damage.
Before undergoing a teeth filling procedure, one should visit a dentist in Longmont Colorado for teeth checkup so as to be aware of the type of treatment one requires for the damaged teeth. When the doctor finds out that larger part of your teeth has been affected by the decay, leaving a cavity, they will advise you to go for teeth fillings to prevent further damages. The type of filling materials to be used will depend on whether one has allergies to any of the filling materials, the cost of the filling materials and the extent of the damage on the teeth.
Types of Teeth Fillings
The teeth filling vary from the filling materials to color desired for the filling. Teeth filling is done in two ways, that is, indirectly where a custom filling is made to fit around the damaged teeth and direct filling where the filling materials are placed directly in the existing teeth cavity. The types of teeth fillings include:
Amalgam teeth filling: This type of filling includes a mixture of copper, mercury, tin, and zinc. Amalgam filling is strong, thus long lasting. This filling is conspicuous and therefore, changes from its silver color to darker color with time, a drawback that makes it be preferred by fewer people and not commonly used in children of less than six years as the metals in its compound are not considered safe for them.
Gold fillings: This is the most long-lasting type of teeth filling, and therefore most people prefer it. It is the most expensive teeth filling and time-consuming during filling since it is done as indirect teeth filling. The filling is gold in color and non-conspicuous, making it more effective and can last up to 20 years.
Resin filling: This is the type of filling that is used for children with the primary teeth. It is also used on less decayed teeth since it undergoes wear and tears easily. It also requires areas of less pressure in the teeth and therefore not advisable to be used on areas of the teeth used for chewing.
Composite Filling: This is the type of filling is placed directly to the teeth and has the natural look of your teeth making it popular due to its large number of use by people. It is made of acrylic resin and powdered glass. It is less durable than other types of filling. Due to its poor quality, its used in low-pressure areas of the teeth to avoid tear and wear.
Porcelain Filling: This is also an indirect filling and expensive but less durable compared to a gold filling. Nevertheless, it is preferred by people due to its natural appearance of the natural teeth and also resist staining.