Dental fillings are one of the most common dental treatments. At Cosmedica Dental, a reputable dental clinic in Turkey, we offer a variety of different types of fillings procedures. We ensure that our treatments meet the patient’s needs individually. In this post, we’ll look at the different types of dental fillings and their pros and cons.
What exactly are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are materials used to repair damage to natural teeth. When a tooth is damaged, a hole or depression is often created in the tooth. A dental filling closes this gap and restores the tooth to its original shape and function. Placing a filling prevents tooth decay from spreading and keeps the tooth stable.
Dental fillings are made from different materials. Some types of dental materials are amalgam, composite, ceramic and gold. Each material used has different properties. Your dentist in Turkey will recommend an exact type of dental filling depending on your situation and preferences.
When are dental fillings needed?
Tooth decay (cavities)
The most common cause of dental fillings is tooth decay. When bacteria in the mouth multiply from food particles and sugar, they produce acids that attack tooth enamel.
This process leads to the formation of holes in some parts of the tooth, known as cavities. A dental filling is necessary to fill the hole after the caries have been removed. So, the dentist uses dental fillings to treat decayed teeth.
Tooth wear
In some cases, tooth wear can occur because of teeth grinding (bruxism) or aging. When tooth enamel is damaged and the tooth becomes more sensitive, a filling can help restore the worn area.
Tooth fractures or cracks
Aesthetic reasons
Replacing old fillings
Tooth filling process at Cosmedica Dental
At Cosmedica Dental, we plan the filling process carefully to ensure that patients receive the best possible dental care:
- Examination and diagnosis
- Caries removal
- Tooth preparation
- Filling placement
- Post-processing
Types of Dental Fillings in Turkey
Amalgam Fillings
- Durable: Amalgam fillings often last 10-15 years or more.
- Cost: They are one of the most cost-effective options.
- Stability: Resistant to heavy chewing pressure.
- Aesthetics: The silver color is noticeable and not tooth colored.
- Environmental Concerns: Contain mercury, which can cause environmental concerns.
Composite Fillings
Composite dental fillings are made of a plastic material reinforced with fine glass particles. These fillings are tooth-colored and offer an aesthetically pleasing option.
- Aesthetics: Blend in with natural tooth color and are barely visible.
- Versatile: These fillings can repair broken teeth.
- Durability: Less long-lasting than amalgam (approximately 5-10 years).
- Cost: More expensive than amalgam fillings.
Ceramic fillings (inlays and onlays)
- Aesthetic: Natural appearance, almost indistinguishable from real teeth.
- Durable: Lasts up to 15 years or more.
- Cost: More expensive than composite and amalgam fillings.
- Application: Typically requires two visits to the dentist.
Differences between inlays and onlays
Ceramic inlays are used to repair minor to moderate damage in the tooth. The dentist uses this type specifically on the chewing surface between the cusps of a tooth. Specialists use inlays when the damage is too large for a regular filling, but not yet large enough to require a crown. They fit perfectly into the tooth, and they offer better structure and strength than traditional fillings.
Onlays are like inlays, but they cover a larger area of the tooth. Dentists use this method when the tooth does not yet need to be completely covered with a crown. They provide additional stability as they cover and support the cups of the tooth. Onlays make it possible to preserve more of the natural tooth structure than would be the case with a crown.
Summary of the differences between inlays and onlays
Feature | Inlay | Onlay |
|---|---|---|
Material | Ceramic, also gold or composite possible | Mostly ceramic, sometimes gold |
Coverage | Inside the chewing surface | Beyond the chewing surface, covers cusps |
Use | Small to medium defects | Larger defects affecting the cusps |
Durability | Long-lasting | Durable and stable |
Gold Fillings
- Durability: Often lasts 15-20 years or more.
- Biocompatibility: Rarely causes allergic reactions.
- Cost: Expensive compared to other fillings.
- Aesthetics: Striking color that may not be to everyone’s taste.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
- Release fluoride: May aid in tooth decay prevention.
- Quick application: Often completed in one step.
- Durability: Not as long-lasting as composite or ceramic fillings.
- Aesthetics: Not as aesthetic as tooth-colored composite fillings.
Conclusion
FAQs
What type of dental filling is best?
Your dentist decides which dental filling is optimal based on how much tooth you want to preserve. If you desire a tooth-colored and aesthetically pleasing solution, composite fillings are ideal. Gold fillings are extremely durable and biocompatible, but also the most expensive option.