The word no one wants to hear at the dentist’s office, cavity. Cavities are the second-most common health disorder in the United States. (Kapner) Dentistry was not a popular thing back then. There are still many people today who refuse to go to the dentist, or just don’t go because they don’t have enough money. There are plenty of ways to get dental insurance, so it was not like it was back in the day. Dental has come a long way in the past years. With the advancement of dental there are many choices of fillings.
Fillings are used when there is a dead spot in the tooth, or a cavity. Cavities are an essential cause of tooth loss. “A cavity develops when a tooth is exposed to acid frequently -- for example, if you eat or drink often, especially …show more content…
Composite is a fairly new compared to the Amalgam. They are also a lot more expensive compared to the silver fillings. They are made mostly of ceramic and plastic. They last about half as long as the Amalgams do. These fillings are molded over the tooth and will match the color of the tooth. The dentist drills into the tooth just like the silver filling, except it doesn’t have to be drilled as deep. The decayed part of the tooth is drilled out. Composite are much harder to place as the tooth has to be completely dry. This also results in longer chair time and possibly two visits. This type of filling restores the tooth and makes it stronger, whereas the amalgam weakens the tooth. Composite fillings are also great for chipped spots in the …show more content…
They are made of glass and acrylic. These fillings do not have a long lasting life period, as they last 5 years or less. The disadvantage of glass ionomer is that they are weaker and will wear out. This is why they are not good fillings for the back teeth. “These less common ionomers are mainly used in small non-load-bearing fillings (between the teeth) or on teeth roots.” (Anonymous) They are most commonly used in babies whose teeth are still changing. They are most comparable to the composite filling. They match the color of the teeth but not as well as the composites. These fillings release fluoride helping the tooth not to decay. This material does not cause tooth sensitivity. Minimal amount of tooth needs to be removed because it bonds to the enamel. This filling is much easier to put in and usually is only one visit. They are often used as emergency or temporary
Fillings are used when there is a dead spot in the tooth, or a cavity. Cavities are an essential cause of tooth loss. “A cavity develops when a tooth is exposed to acid frequently -- for example, if you eat or drink often, especially …show more content…
Composite is a fairly new compared to the Amalgam. They are also a lot more expensive compared to the silver fillings. They are made mostly of ceramic and plastic. They last about half as long as the Amalgams do. These fillings are molded over the tooth and will match the color of the tooth. The dentist drills into the tooth just like the silver filling, except it doesn’t have to be drilled as deep. The decayed part of the tooth is drilled out. Composite are much harder to place as the tooth has to be completely dry. This also results in longer chair time and possibly two visits. This type of filling restores the tooth and makes it stronger, whereas the amalgam weakens the tooth. Composite fillings are also great for chipped spots in the …show more content…
They are made of glass and acrylic. These fillings do not have a long lasting life period, as they last 5 years or less. The disadvantage of glass ionomer is that they are weaker and will wear out. This is why they are not good fillings for the back teeth. “These less common ionomers are mainly used in small non-load-bearing fillings (between the teeth) or on teeth roots.” (Anonymous) They are most commonly used in babies whose teeth are still changing. They are most comparable to the composite filling. They match the color of the teeth but not as well as the composites. These fillings release fluoride helping the tooth not to decay. This material does not cause tooth sensitivity. Minimal amount of tooth needs to be removed because it bonds to the enamel. This filling is much easier to put in and usually is only one visit. They are often used as emergency or temporary