All That You Need to Know About Dental Fillings (Part 7)
Additionally, there are other forms of tooth-colored fillings available aside from composite resin materials.
The other types include ceramic fillings and glass ionomer fillings.
Porcelain is the main material used in ceramic tooth-colored fillings.
Ceramic fillings are known to resist staining compared to resin. However, they’re known to be abrasive. This type of material is quite durable and may last up to 15 years. Then again, they can be expensive just like gold fillings.
Moreover, glass ionomer is made from glass and acrylic. It’s usually applied as a below-the-gumline type of filling among young children.
The dentist may need to drill the tooth in order to apply the glass ionomer.
It’s a filling that releases fluoride (instead of mercury vapors) to the teeth.
This helps protect the teeth from additional damage or decay.
The problem with glass ionomer is that it is more fragile than even composite resin fillings. It’s also more prone to fracturing as well as wear-and-tear. It has a relatively short lifespan of five years.
When it comes to fixing the tooth due to cavities, make sure to get the needed information from your dentist in order to get the best results.