What Types of Filling Materials Are Available?
Today, several dental filling materials are available. Teeth can be filled with gold; porcelain; silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper); or tooth-colored, plastic and glass materials called composite resin fillings. The location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, patients’ insurance coverage and your dentist’s recommendation assist in determining the type of filling that will best address your needs. Cast gold Advantages: 1. Durability – lasts at least 10 to 15 years, usually longer; doesn’t corrode 2. Strength – can withstand chewing forces 3. Aesthetics – some patients find gold more pleasing to the eye than silver, amalgam fillings Disadvantages: 1. Expense – more than other materials; up to 10 times higher than cost of amalgam filings 2. Additional office visits – requires at least two office visits to place 3. Galvanic shock – a gold filling placed immediately next to a silver, amalgam filling can cause a sharp pain (gal
