Good oral health impacts overall well-being, and one of the most common dental procedures for treating cavities and tooth decay is dental fillings. Of course, if you’re among Fresno CA residents needing these services, the type of dental fillings used will depend on your individual needs and preferences. This post will give you an in-depth understanding of the kinds of fillings used in dental practice in Fresno, CA, and some advantages to further help us understand whether it makes sense, and if all related benefits must be considered.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Fillings are dental materials that restore the missing structure and function of a tooth following decay or external damage. The process involves eliminating the decayed part of the tooth and filling that area with some appropriate material.

Purpose of Dental Fillings:

• Restore tooth function
• Prevent further decay
• Maintain tooth structure
• Improve aesthetic appearance

Types of Dental Fillings

Amalgam Fillings

For over 100 years, amalgam fillings also referred to as silver fillings have been used in dentistry. It is a combination of metals such as silver, mercury, tin, and copper.

Advantages:

Amalgam fillings are strong and can last many years, in some cases decades. They are best for filling wide cavities in the back teeth needed to support while chewing. Amalgam fillings are for the most part cheaper when compared to other types.

Composite Fillings

These are made from a mix of plastic and fine glass particles. Because they closely resemble the color of a patient’s natural teeth, their usage is very popular in visible areas.

Advantages:

Since composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of a tooth, they are especially well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth. Fillings are also applicable in other forms of restoration such as the repair of broken, chipped, and worn teeth. It bonds directly to the tooth; this in turn offers additional support to the tooth structure.

Ceramic Fillings

One of these options is surface ceramic or porcelain-based fillings which are natural-looking and long lasting. These are specially made in a lab and attached to the tooth.

Advantages:

Ceramic fillings are most often the same color as natural tooth material and also are more resistant to staining. With proper dental hygiene, a tooth restored with an amalgam filling will be less susceptible to infection and can last for many years.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

They are a mix of acrylic and glass powder and these fillings have superior moisture adherence, making them some of the most popular options for children’s filling. They are usually used for fillings in areas that don’t take a lot of chewing pressure, e.g., between teeth or children’s (primary) teeth.

Advantages:

Glass ionomer fillings contain fluoride, which is beneficial to the tooth and can help protect it from further decay. Adherence to the tooth substance without great preparation;

Gold Fillings

Made of gold alloy Gold inlays and onlays or gold fillings These are generated in a laboratory and introduced into the site.

Advantages:

Gold fillings can last at least 20 years and are usually stronger than amalgam.

Residents in Fresno, CA can choose from several dental filling options available to them with different benefits and considerations. There is a filling material for every possible need, depending on if you want something durable, aesthetically pleasing, or low-cost. With an understanding of the types of fillings that are possible, and with a discussion with your most trusted dentist possible – you can make informed decisions when it comes to maintaining not only oral health but keeping those pearly white.