Fillings help restore damaged teeth from decay. They prevent further decay and bring the tooth back to its normal function. Your dentist will consider many different factors when it comes to choosing what kind of filling material is best of you. Here are a few different types of fillings your dentist may recommend for you.
Amalgam
Made of: Silver, tin, copper, mercury, and zinc mixture.
Used for: Fillings in back molars
Lasts: About 10 years, usually longer
Cost: The least expensive material
Composite Resin
Made of: A mixture of plastic and fine glass
Used for: Small and large fillings, mostly in front teeth
Last: At least five years
Costs: More than amalgam, less than gold
Cast Gold
Made of: Gold mixed with other metals
User for: Inlays, onlays, and crowns
Last: At least 15 years
Costs: More than other materials, 6 times more than amalgam
Ceramics
Made of: Porcelain
Used for: implants, veneers, onlays, inlays, and crowns
Lasts: More than seven years
Costs: More than composite, up to the amount of gold.
