Rumor has that 92 percent of adults aged 20 to 64 have had experience with tooth decay and dental cavities. While some of the infected relied on tooth extractions to relieve the pain, the most common method is having the disease treated by a professional dentist. The process involves a dental care provider removing the decayed tooth area, cleaning the region and replacing it with a filling constructed of a number of substances including gold, silver or composites.

There are pros and cons to each filling material including durability, appearance and price points. Individuals about to go under the dental treatment in order to repair the damage done should take the time to investigate dental filling choices prior to scheduling a dental clinic appointment.

Gold

For centuries man has always been fascinated with gold. The precious metal has always been valuable and slews of historic artifacts including statues, currency and jewelry have been constructed out of chemical element. Because the metal is non-toxic, easy to work with and extremely durable the compound also has practical uses in the dentistry industry including filling dental cavities.

Cast gold fillings make an excellent dental filling material. Once in place the devices are long lasting with a life span ranging from 10 to 15 years and can add a bit of glamor to an already glistening smile. However, of all the dental filling choices available they are the most expensive and range from $900 to $3,000 per tooth (CostHelper.com).

The process involves a dentists making mold of the affected tooth region and sending that cast out to the lab in order for them to custom make the device. Until the filling is returned, a dentist will fit a patient with a temporary filling. After about two weeks time, the patient will then go back to the dental office for the filling to be permanently affixed.

There is also a small risk of gold fillings causing a bit of a shock. Those who opt for gold fillings may experiencing a galvanized shock when that metal comes into physical contact with a silver amalgam setting.

Silver Amalgams

Sparkling silver is a less costly sibling of gold as the metal also has value and has been used for ornamentation, decor and house wares for centuries. When the metal is alloyed with mercury, tin and other metals it makes a durable material often used in dentistry to fill teeth.

There are many perks for consumers who select silver amalgams to fill the rotten void in their teeth. Most dentists keep the materials on hand meaning patients will not have to undergo multiple dental office visits to get their tooth worm treated. Silver amalgam dental fillings are expected to have a life span of 10 to 15 years and they are budget friendly ranging from approximately $75 to $160 per tooth (CostHelper.com).

However there are also some downsides associated with the dental filling options. The devices can easily fracture, cause allergic reactions in a small portion of the population be aesthetically unpleasing, require a dentist to remove an excess of tooth to accommodate the compound and they may cause teeth to discolor with age. Additionally, the mercury alloy added to the other metals may be harmful to health. California, dentists are legally required to hang a sign stating “WARNING – Amalgam fillings contain a chemical element [mercury] known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.”

Composites

Precious metals are not the only components that can be used in dentistry as synthetic resins are used to make composite fillings. Until improvements in the material were made at the turn of this century, composites were not the dental filling material of choice as they were weak and prone to leakage. Advancements in the production of the material have changed all that and now millions of Americans have opted for the dental filling variety.

Many patients favor tooth-colored composites as they are the most aesthetically pleasing of the bunch as the color camouflages with most natural tooth colors. Dentists can immediately place composite fillings eliminating the wait time involved with getting a filling treated for just a fraction more than the expenses associated with the amalgam option (according to CostHelper.com composite fillings range from about $90 to $250 per tooth). Because of its bonding capabilities and color, the material is extremely versatile and can be used to repair a number of dental problems including chipped, broken, or worn teeth.

There are also some disadvantages to the compound as of all the dental filling options available, composites have an expected life span of five years maximum. The devices are prone to chipping and may require additional time and effort from a dentist to fit.

Within the dental filling industry there are other dental filling options including ceramics or isomer. Additionally, new dental filling options may become available over time as French scientists have developed a new product that may regenerate the damaged bone. The hope is that it can be converted into gel form that will be inserted directly in tooth cavities to stimulate tooth regeneration.

Until that time, individuals will have to choose from the existing options of dental fillings already proliferating the marketplace. Individuals looking to find a dentist to get the dental care they need can call 0900-DENTIST now.