Dental fillings and repairs are of utmost necessity to protect the health of your teeth and to prevent further decay and damage.

What is a dental filling?
A dental filling is a treatment suggested to remove cavities. The dentist removes the infected part of the tooth, cleans it to remove dead tissues, and then fills with a special material. The filling method is also used to repair broken teeth and to resolve other forms of teeth damage.

The procedure of filling
The filling process usually takes a few days, but it also depends on your dentist. Once the diagnosis is made, the dentist will first numb the tooth area with the help of anesthesia. Then, the decayed tissues and other dirt from the region is forced out through a drill. The next process is air abrasion treatment to ensure complete removal of decayed tissues. Once all damaged tissues are removed from the area, the dentist will clean it to remove bacteria. The next step is filling the material in the tooth, and finally, polishing. For a tooth-colored filling, the dentist uses a special light to fix the color of the filling.

Types of filling materials used
Due to advancements in dental medicine, today, different types of filling materials are available. Their cost may vary, and it is essential to consider the pros and cons of each type of filling, but you can check with your dentist as to which filling material will suit you the most. The three main types of filling materials are:

Gold fillings
Gold fillings are the most effective ones as they last for at least 15 years and are also much stronger. The only downside is its cost which is quite high. Additionally, not everyone likes the color of gold as it tends to stand out, making the filling quite visible.

Silver fillings (Amalgams)
Silver also last for about 15 years and is more durable than tooth-colored fillings. They are affordable as well. Amalgam fillings need extra space; so the dentist may have to remove some parts of the tooth which are not damaged to make way for the filling. In time, this amalgam filling may turn grey.

Tooth-colored fillings
One of the most popular fillings, tooth-colored composites are preferred by a lot of people as they match the color of the original teeth. They are ideally used for dental filling and repairs in the front teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are not just used for cavities, but they are also used to repair broken or chipped teeth.

The primary disadvantage of such fillings is that it involves a lengthy process that requires extra visits to the dentist. They may not last as long as gold or silver filling. They also cost more than silver fillings.

Some other types of fillings include glass ionomer and ceramics. Your dentist will suggest the right filling that suits your dental requirements.

It is essential to know about the advantages and disadvantages of all kinds of dental fillings and repairs before you decide which one to opt for. Talk to the dentist about the effectiveness, cost, and the durability of the filling to make the right choice.