Pros and Cons of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are tooth-colored restorations that dentists use to repair damage in your teeth. They can fill cracks, holes, and grooves while preventing further decay. However, not all fillings are equal. There are two main types of dental fillings: composite and porcelain. This article will review the pros and cons of each type.

Understanding dental fillings

Pros of composite and porcelain fillings

No matter the types of dental fillings the dentist uses, the procedure is performed in one visit. This not only works better into patients’ schedules but their wallets as well. Restorations, such as bridges and crowns, will likely cost more than a dental filling because more work and multiple appointments are needed to receive them.

Composite fillings

Composite fillings are a great choice for many dental patients. These particular fillings consist of a material called composite resin. Dentists will use this durable material to color-match one’s natural tooth. Composite resin allows light to pass through it, which gives it a translucent appearance when viewed under certain lighting conditions. Additionally, patients will not need to lose most of their natural tooth structure when undergoing the procedure, unlike composite filling alternatives. These dental fillings also become attractive to many patients by lasting up to 10 years with proper care.

Porcelain fillings

There are many pros to porcelain fillings, also known as ceramic dental fillings. They are more resistant to chipping and expanding than their alternatives (composite, gold, amalgam) because of their ability to withstand biting forces and hard or abrasive foods. It is also considered more durable than one’s natural tooth structure. They are also less likely to become stained throughout the day, along with good dental hygiene. Dentists often use these dental fillings to replace amalgam fillings in older adults who received them during their youth, lasting between 5 and 10 years.

Cons of composite and porcelain fillings

Composite fillings

Composite resin can wear down quickly if used for larger cavities or damage, making it less likely for dental fillings to last up to 10 years. In addition, if the dentist uses this type of filling for serious damage, patients are more likely to experience sensitivity. Additionally, composite fillings are a viable restorative option, but they can be prone to staining, and patients must be diligent in their oral hygiene.

Porcelain fillings

The primary disadvantage of porcelain fillings is that they typically cost more than composite fillings. They can also cause sensitivity that can last for a few weeks or months after the installation. The dentist is also less likely to choose this type of filling for small chips or cavities because they will add unnecessary bulk to one’s tooth when composite fillings suffice.