When you have damaged or decayed teeth, your dentist may recommend dental fillings.
Fillings can help repair cavities. They involve cleaning the affected tooth before applying the filling material.
Fillings can be placed directly inside the tooth or made in a laboratory and applied during a subsequent dental visit. Your dentist will recommend a filling material based on your specific needs.
Here are the different types of dental fillings – amalgam, composite and CEREC.
- Dental amalgam
Dental amalgam, or filling, contains various metals, including mercury and silver. It has a silvery color, corresponding to the materials used in its manufacture.
Amalgam is strong, durable, and more affordable than other filling materials. Because of its strength, it is often used for teeth that withstand significant chewing forces, such as molars.
Amalgam is a common dental material. It dries quickly, making it ideal for areas that are difficult to keep dry and for patients who cannot remain seated in a dental chair for extended periods.
However, it doesn't look natural, which is why it's rarely placed on front teeth or visible parts of the mouth. At REMA Dentists, we recommend other filling options for the following reasons:
- The material may not be suitable for people with metal allergies.
- Amalgam fillings generally require the removal of a larger portion of the tooth structure.
- Amalgam fillings can expand and contract due to temperature changes. When they expand, teeth can crack. When they contract, debris can get trapped inside the tooth and cause cavities.
- Composite resin
Composite fillings contain no metal and their color is matched to that of natural teeth. They are made from high-quality plastic and ceramic, making them suitable for front teeth.
Composite resin blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile for a natural look. However, it's not as strong as other materials. It may not be suitable for large cavities or teeth used for heavy chewing.
But because of their aesthetic characteristics, composite resin fillings can be useful for repairing minor dental damage and improving the appearance of your teeth.
Composite resin is more expensive than amalgam and its application is also more time-consuming. It is applied in several layers. Each layer is cured using a special light before the next is applied.
The advantage of composite resin is that it does not react to temperature changes. It does not crack or deform. It requires only a small amount of enamel to be removed, which better preserves the natural structure of the tooth.
- Ceramic dental fillings (CEREC)
CEREC stands for "Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics." It allows you to receive the dental restoration you need in a single visit or while you wait.
The CEREC system uses CAD (computer-aided design) or CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) to manufacture dental fillings and crowns in one day.
CEREC fillings combine the advantages of amalgam and composite fillings. They offer stability and can be applied to any tooth, whether visible or back teeth.
Because CEREC uses state-of-the-art software, your dentist can take precise impressions of your teeth and customize your restoration. These design specifications are then transmitted to the manufacturing equipment.
The equipment produces the restoration, and your dentist places it on your tooth. CEREC is often the preferred option for dental restorations for the following reasons:
- It makes dental procedures much faster and more convenient.
- It does not require multiple visits and does not interfere with your daily schedule.
- The manufacturing equipment used is located directly in the dental office, allowing your dentist to have greater control over the process.
- Since you can receive your restoration in one day, you no longer need to use temporary restorations to protect the prepared area. This reduces your risk of developing dental problems during treatment.
Learn more about tooth decay repair in Quebec
Amalgams, composites, and CEREC are materials used for dental restorations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For more information about dental fillings or repairing damaged teeth, contact us today.
Determine which option best suits your situation. Our team will be happy to help you find a long-term solution for your dental problems.
