Types of Dental Fillings
There are a variety of dental filling materials available like gold, porcelain, silver amalgam and tooth-colored plastic called composite resin. If your cavity has not reached past the surface of your tooth, you may receive a surface cavity filling to address the decay on the surface of your tooth and to prevent a deeper cavity from forming. One of our experienced dentists will help you navigate the best tooth filling options for your unique case.
Resin Fillings: Dousman Family Dentistry
Resin fillings are a type of dental-cavity filling used to restore teeth affected by dental cavities or decay. Unlike traditional fillings, resin fillings are made of mixture of plastic (resin) and fine glass particles. Resin filling material is tooth-colored, making it blend with the natural color of the tooth and a popular choice for cosmetic reasons.
The process of placing resin fillings involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth, preparing the tooth, and then layering the resin filling. This incremental approach allows us to shape and contour the filling to match your natural tooth's unique shape.
Resin cavity fillings are aesthetically pleasing and offer several advantages over traditional fillings:
- Resin fillings provide better bonding to the tooth structure
- The risk of fracturing is reduced with resin fillings
- Resin fillings require less removal of healthy tooth during placement
Resin Fillings vs. Amalgam Fillings
Appearance
Durability
- Good for small to mid-size restorations
Appointment Length
- Takes a bit longer than amalgam fillings
- Faster than composite fillings
Cost
- Slightly more expensive than amalgam fillings
- Less expensive than composite resin fillings
Resin Fillings: Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Compared to amalgam dental fillings which leave an obvious indication of a filling, tooth-colored fillings are invisible and much more aesthetically appealing. Resin fillings and surface cavity fillings blend with your surrounding teeth, so no one will be able to tell you ever had a cavity. Your beautiful, white smile is all anyone will see whether you're laughing, speaking, singing or yawning. Resin fillings are also long-lasting (up to 10 years or more of use) with proper care.
Brushing twice a day, flossing and scheduling a teeth cleaning every 6 months to 1 year are crucial components of effective filling maintenance.
What to Expect When Getting a Filling
You may experience tooth sensitivity after an amalgam or resin filling. This tooth sensitivity typically goes away on its own in a few days. If your tooth sensitivity does not decrease, contact us!
Can you eat after a filling?
Our dentists recommend you wait at least one hour before eating anything and allow 24 hours to pass before attempting to eat hard foods.
Dental Fillings
Causes of Cavities + Types of Fillings & What to Expect When Getting a Filling
Sometimes there may be no symptoms or pain when a cavity is discovered. The earlier a cavity is filled, the less damage is done to your oral health. Causes of cavities include bacteria buildup, regular consumption of crackers, candies and sugary drinks, and poor oral hygiene habits.
