Elmhurst General Dentist Reviews The Options For Dental Fillings
When a patient suffers from a cavity, our dental team goes to work removing the infected material and restoring the tooth with a filling. This treatment protocol allows the patient to function comfortably and naturally after treatment.
But what filling is right for this type of procedure? Our Elmhurst dentists are here to give you more information about the existing dental filling options.
Amalgam Fillings
These fillings used to be practically the only option available to dental patients. Amalgam fillings are made of a combination of metals—often tin, copper, silver, and mercury. These fillings make the tooth look dark and gray, and they may contribute to dental fracture over time. Additionally, our dental team has to remove more dental material in order to insert these fillings, in comparison to other filling options.
Gold Fillings
Gold is a stable and sturdy material for dental fillings. However, this material is obviously visible on the tooth surface. Plus, gold fillings can be quite expensive.
Composite Fillings
These fillings are made of a glass or quartz mixture that is able to actually bond to the natural dental surface. These fillings look bright, white, and natural, and they allow our dentist to retain as much of your healthy tooth as possible.
Ceramic/Porcelain Fillings
These fillings are durable, and look very natural once applied to the tooth. However, they are often as expensive as gold fillings, and are therefore less desirable for some patients.
As you can see, composite and ceramic fillings deliver the natural looking and feeling results that many people desire. If you are unsure of what type of dental filling will best suit your needs, our Elmhurst dentist office is here to give you all of the information that you need on the subject. Give our dental team a call to learn more.