If you think you might have a cavity, there are a few ways to fix them. How do you decide what kind of filling to use? Since you and your filling will be spending lots of time together you will want to choose a restoration to make your budget and your teeth happy. At Kirkwood Dental, we want to help bring your smile back.
Dental fillings consist of a restorative material used to fix tooth fractures, tooth decay and the damaged surfaces of the teeth. They are used to smooth out the surfaces of the tooth so you can bite and chew properly again.
Composite resin dental fillings have become very popular in this day and age. Made from glass, quartz and plastic, they are white and blend right in with your natural teeth. They are quite strong and don’t crack easily.
Another common choice is amalgam fillings. These are made from various metals including silver, copper, and mercury. They are much stronger than the composite resins, but the tradeoff is that they are more visible as well. They are typically most affordable which will keep your wallet happy.
Historically gold fillings have been around the longest and are made of gold and copper, among others. They are more costly than the others, and like amalgam fillings they stand out in your mouth.
Another factor in your decision might be the placement of the filling. Some patients like amalgam fillings on the teeth in the back of the mouth where they are least visible, and where the teeth do the most chewing. Composite teeth are ideal for the more visible and less used front teeth.
If you have any questions about what kinds of tooth restoration materials our office uses, give us a call at 408-378-8500 and we will help give you the smile you have been wanting!