Dental Fillings: Everything You Need to Know on the Subject

You all have heard, without necessarily knowing, in what circumstances dental fillings should be used. After all, the types of fillings and dental filling techniques have evolved so much over time that it has become difficult to see clearly! A dentist is the one who can make it easier. Dentists in Turkey are affordable & efficient from others.

The dental filling

Are you wondering about the different types of dental restorations available, as well as the filling techniques used today? This is quite normal since recent advances in the field of dendrology have somewhat changed the situation. Nowadays, there is a painless and comfortable filling to answer all types of problems. How about we fly over it all together?

First of all, what is a dental filling, and for whom?

The filling, in our environment, is used to fill cavities generally resulting from lack of sufficient dental care. This will prevent damage to your tooth and prevent bacteria from entering it. And it is advisable to act quickly since a decayed tooth risks decaying other neighboring teeth in addition to causing various infections. To treat this tooth, you must first remove the decay and then protect the cavity with a filling (dental filling).

In short, when cavities afflict you, causing several oral problems, the filling becomes a solution to be seriously considered. Contrary to what its name indicates, it contains no lead, but rather an alloy of mercury, copper, silver, and tin called "dental amalgam". Used since the dawn of time (we find traces of it on the fossil teeth of prehistoric men), dental amalgam has evolved a lot and is now accessible for all ages and all needs.

Thus, over time, amalgam has also given way to composite, an inorganic and biocompatible material that appeared in the 1960s. You, therefore, have the choice between amalgam or composite in the composition of your filling. But here's the thing: what type of dental filling is right for you?

White fillings (composite) or gray fillings (amalgam)?

This is a relevant question to ask yourself! So, in order, to determine which type of filling is right for you, you must first weigh the pros and cons.

Gray filling (dental amalgam)

A dental amalgam is an option highly durable (up to 20 years of life) and affordable. This is especially a perfect filling for your posterior teeth. However, its use is not unanimous since some have pointed out the possible dangers of mercury. We have also produced a blog post on the subject. However, this danger has not been demonstrated with certainty and Health Canada continues to approve the use of gray fillings.

However, nowadays, the main drawback of dental amalgam is its lack of aesthetics. Indeed, the silver color of this type of filling could displease some because of its lack of naturalness. In addition, unlike composite, this type of filling can end up causing a fracture of the tooth.

Should I change the gray filling I already have in my mouth?

After reading these lines, those of you who already have dental amalgam in your mouth might be concerned. You might wonder, with good reason, whether this type of filling should be changed. Do not panic! An appointment with your dentist will allow you to see more clearly.

It is not always necessary to change a gray filling. However, this may be an option to consider in the event of recurrence of decay, dental fracture or for aesthetic reasons. However, good follow-up is necessary to determine the need for such an intervention.

White filling (composite)

The composite filling is made with a resin cured in UV light and devoid of any toxicity. Its main advantage is its very aesthetic side since its white color makes it a very discreet, practically invisible filling. In addition, it has a natural ability to "stick to the tooth".

However, white filling is often found to be less durable than dental amalgam and its white color can eventually turn yellow over time (especially if you are a coffee, tea or tobacco lover.) Despite these few disadvantages, there are some advantages. So, it’s, definitely, an option to consider.

Oral hygiene: absolutely elementary if you opt for the composite

Okay, that's right, having good oral hygiene is always important. However, it is even more so if you have a white filling in your mouth. Why? Well, that's because this type of filling tends to shrink as it hardens (unlike amalgam which expands). This can cause small cracks to form over time and therefore it is possible for cavities to form inside of them. Ask a dentist to suggest the best maintenance methods to avoid this type of unwanted situation.