Dr. Jennifer Chen of Huntington Beach, CA is an experienced dentist and she offers plenty of options for you to choose from when it comes to dental fillings. Many patients are confused by what kinds of dental filling options are available for their procedure. The options vary depending on the patient’s health, where and how the filling is placed, the amount of chewing pressure the tooth will have to bear, components of the filling material and the number of visits needed to prepare and accommodate the tooth. Some of the choices include amalgam, composite and ionomers. Amalgam fillings are very durable, easy to use, and inexpensive when compared to other materials. Since amalgam fillings can sustain very heavy chewing loads, they are usually used to restore molars. Some of the disadvantages of amalgam fillings are that the silver tone is not as natural looking, possible short-term sensitivity, and more tooth structure is removed to conform the filling. Composite fillings are made out of a mixture of glass or quartz and resin, this mix produces a tooth colored filling. Composite fillings are durable and provide good resistance against fracture in small to medium restorations where there is moderate chewing pressure. Because less tooth structure is removed when using a composite, a smaller filling can be used than one using amalgam. Some downsides of composite fillings are that they are moderately more expensive than amalgam depending on the size of the filling and technique used by Dr. Jennifer Chen, procedure time is generally longer than when using amalgam, and they tend to stain and discolor over time. Ionomers, on the other hand, are made out of a mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders. Ionomers are usually utilized to fill cavities on the root surfaces of teeth or in small fillings that do not require any chewing resistance since they have low protection against fractures. As with any procedure, Dr. Jennifer Chen suggests to call us today at (714) 891-1155 or come into the office where she can fully discuss which option is better and most efficient for you.
Content Received from ADA
