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Silver, Gold, Composite, or Resin: Which Dental Filling Is Right for You?

Phillip • January 3, 2019
Silver, Gold, Composite, or Resin: Which Dental Filling Is Right for You?

So your dentist says you need to get dental fillings. Whether you need fillings to treat a cavity, repair a cracked tooth, or any other reason, there are a few different types of fillings you can get. So how do you know which type to choose?

While your dentist is the expert on determining the need for fillings, it’s usually up to patients to decide the specific type of filling they want. Dental fillings come in a variety of materials, and are filled using different methods. Learning about the different types will help you decide what’s best for your needs. Read on to learn more about dental filling options.

Silver Dental Fillings

Though they’re simply referred to as silver fillings, this type of filling is actually made up of a mix of silver, tin, zinc, copper, and mercury. Known as silver amalgam, this material is easy to apply to a cavity, but is also one of the more visible types of dental fillings. It can expand over time and cause the tooth to crack, creating new cavities later on.

Gold Dental Fillings

Gold fillings are less common because of the higher price point. This pricey filling is durable and won’t corrode, meaning it could last more than 15 years. However, it will take more than one visit to the dentist to fit a gold filling, and it may be hard to find a dentist who will do them.

Composite Resin Fillings

A tooth-colored composite resin is one of the best options for dental fillings. Because the filling can be matched to the shade of the tooth, it’s much more discreet than gold or silver fillings. This type of filling is also beneficial because it is bonded directly onto the tooth and will strengthen tooth overall.

Contact South Temple Dental

If you think you may need a dental filling, Salt Lake City dentists at South Temple Dental can help. Contact us today and we’ll talk you through your options for tooth fillings . We make dental fillings an easy process and make sure to give all of our patients the same thorough care.

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