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DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL FILLINGS

AN OVERVIEW OF THE DIFFERENT MATERIALS USED FOR DENTAL FILLINGS

Dental fillings (or tooth fillings) may be the right solution for you if you have a tooth cavity. Maintaining good oral health is essential to your overall wellbeing, and dental fillings are an important part of preventative dental care. With the variety of filling materials available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your needs, or available to NHS patients. Woodbourne Dental explains the different filling materials used for the common dentistry treatment known as fillings. Get professional dental advice about oral health and dental treatments with Woodbourne Dental. From composite resin to porcelain, amalgam, gold, and glass ionomer fillings, we help you understand the options available to NHS and private patients for dental fillings. 

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FILLINGS

A dental filling is a common dental treatment that uses filling material to fill a cavity or gap in a tooth after it has been damaged by decay. The material is usually a composite resin, porcelain, or amalgam metal, and it is applied directly to the damaged tooth. Fillings help to protect the tooth from further damage and decay, and they can also improve the appearance of your teeth. At Woodbourne Dental, we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible dental care, and we want to ensure that you have the information you need to make an informed decision about the dental filling that’s right for you.

The Filling Materials used by Dentists

At Woodbourne Dental, we offer a range of different materials for dental fillings, each with its own unique benefits. Some of the most common types of dental filling materials include:

  • Composite Resin Fillings: These dental fillings are made from a combination of plastic and glass particles. Composite resin fillings are matched to the colour of your teeth, making them virtually invisible and the preferred filling material for front teeth. They are very durable and can last for several years.

  • Porcelain Fillings: Porcelain fillings are made from a combination of porcelain and metal. They are highly durable and can last for many years, being strong enough to withstand the force of chewing.

  • Amalgam Fillings: Made from a combination of metals and usually silver in colour, they are very strong and can last for several years, although they may need to be replaced if they become worn or damaged. These metal fillings are commonly used for back teeth, as they can handle the wear of chewing.

  • Gold Fillings: Gold fillings are made from a combination of gold and other metals. Like other filling materials, they are very strong and durable. Some people find gold fillings very aesthetically pleasing, and may opt for gold fillings due to this aesthetic appeal.

  • Glass Ionomer Fillings: This filling material comprises of a combination of glass and acrylic materials. Glass ionomer fillings are matched to the colour of your teeth, making them aesthetically pleasing. They are also strong and durable, and can last for several years before replacement is required.

The Different Filling Materials available to NHS Patients and Private Patients

Tooth-coloured (white) fillings are typically only available on the NHS where clinically necessary, such as when a filling is to be placed in a front tooth. Dental fillings available on the NHS can be made of amalgam (silver-coloured), composite (tooth-coloured), or glass ionomer (tooth-coloured), with tooth-coloured fillings typically only available for front teeth. The NHS has limitations on the materials that can be used for dental fillings. To get a white or tooth-coloured dental filling in a back tooth, you may need to receive the dental filling treatment as a private patient. Private patients have access to a wider range of dental treatments and materials, including cosmetic dentistry treatments.

THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL FILLINGS

Dental fillings offer a variety of benefits for patients. They can help to protect your teeth from further damage, repair cavities, improve the appearance of your teeth, and even limit the need for complex dental treatment by dealing with smaller issues, such as cavities, early on and before these issues become more complex threats to your oral health. Dental fillings can help to strengthen your teeth and repair the wear on your teeth, improving your oral health. At Woodbourne Dental, we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible dental care. We offer a range of different types of dental filling materials, so that you can choose the one that’s right for you and fits your budget. We offer composite resin fillings, porcelain fillings, amalgam fillings, gold fillings, and glass ionomer fillings, all of which are durable and effective for restoring cavities. Your trusted dentist in Isle of Man will recommend the best dental filling material for your individual situation, but the choice is yours.

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