Fillings are used to treat cavities or tooth decay. They’re also used to repair broken teeth, cracked teeth, or teeth that have been damaged by misuse such as nail biting or teeth grinding.
To see if dental fillings can improve your dental health, call Day & Night Family Dental at 910-354-2680.
Types of Fillings
At Day & Night Family Dental, we offer amalgam fillings (metal fillings) and composite fillings (white, metal-free fillings).
The pros and cons of amalgam and composite fillings can help you decide what type of filling is best for you. We’re here to help you get the care you need.
Amalgam Fillings
Pros
- Because of the metal content, amalgam fillings are very strong and can withstand heavy biting pressure. They’re often used on back teeth.
- Amalgam filling material is relatively inexpensive.
- Most insurance companies cover amalgam fillings.
Cons
- Some people experience a period of hot and cold sensitivity after having an amalgam filling.
- Amalgam fillings do not harden immediately. It’s not good to chew on that specific tooth for a couple of hours after the filling has been placed.
- More tooth structure is lost because the dentist has to make a bigger preparation.
- Not all dentists work with amalgam fillings anymore.
Composite Fillings
Pros
- Composite filling material looks very nice and natural.
- This type of filling material is already hard when you leave the dentist’s office. You can chew on it whenever you like.
- Less tooth structure is lost because the dentist can make a smaller preparation.
Cons
- The composite filling material is more expensive.
- This type of filling usually takes the dentist a little longer to do.
- Composite fillings can stain over a period of time due to use of tea, coffee, and smoking.
- These fillings do not get whiter if you bleach your teeth.
- Composite fillings are strong on back teeth, but not as strong as amalgam.
- Insurance companies will not always pay for composite fillings on back teeth.
If you have questions about amalgam or composite dental fillings, call Day & Night Family Dental at 910-354-2680 or talk with one of our dentists during your next appointment.
