Have you ever wondered what the differences between silver, metal fillings and white, tooth-colored fillings are? We’re here to answer that question today!
In our office, Dr. Stephen Hiroshige usually suggests white fillings, for several reasons, but many people still expect to get the older, silver filling when they have a cavity. In this post, we describe the differences between the two, as well as when one may be a better option compared to the other.
Before we get to your options for the color or type of filling you get, we should talk about why fillings are so important. Tooth decay happens to almost everyone, and it’s the number one cause of tooth loss.
The enamel that protects your teeth is the hardest substance your body produces, but it isn’t invulnerable. Bacteria are everywhere, including on your teeth.
When you eat certain foods, like those high in sugar or carbohydrates, and small amounts of the foods stay on your teeth for too long, or get caught between them, they provide a food source for the bacteria. As the bacteria consumes the sugars, it thrives, reproduces, and causes problems, like weak places in your enamel.
Once your enamel is weakened, the bacteria can penetrate to the softer part of your tooth, and then you have a cavity. When a cavity is left untreated, it can spread and lead to infection.
When you get a filling, Dr. Hiroshige removes the affected material, fills it, and seals it so that the bacteria can’t get back in. This prevents infection and can help keep you from developing an abscess and needing a more complicated procedure.
Although we’ve referred to white and silver fillings, there are actually several different types of fillings:
For many years silver amalgam fillings were the most widely used, and they are what many people expect when they get a filling. However, composite resin fillings are much more common now.
Composite fillings are more natural-looking because they are tooth-colored. Dr. Hiroshige most often suggests the use of composite resin fillings.
Ceramic fillings are another option, but are more expensive than other choices. Another disadvantage is that ceramic is a bit more brittle than composite resin, so it needs to be larger.
Gold is very rarely used, though it is durable. It takes more than one visit for a gold filling to be properly fitted, and not too many dentists offer gold as an option.
Generally composite resin is the best choice for its durability, how quickly your filling can be completed, and its natural appearance. If you need a filling, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hiroshige today to discuss your options.
