Dental fillings come in a variety of types. In pediatric dentistry las vegas, composite (white) and amalgam (silver) fillings are the most common. Which type of filling is best for your child?
Dental fillings come in several types when it comes to pediatric dentistry. Here’s everything you need to know:
Fillings in the mouth: how do they work?
When teeth become damaged, they are repaired with dental fillings. A tooth’s enamel (top layer) becomes infected with bacteria, causing cavities.
A cavity develops into a small hole as it penetrates deeper into the tooth. A hole in this tooth needs to be filled with a dental filling. The tooth will need to be cleaned and filled with filling material for the tooth to remain intact.
If left untreated, an unfilled cavity can cause irreparable damage to the teeth and jaw bone. Catching a cavity as soon as possible is the best way to treat it effectively and as soon as possible. (Our experienced staff at kids dentist las vegas is more than happy to schedule routine examinations for you!) In addition, early detection of cavities can prevent nerve damage and painful symptoms.
Different Types of Dental Fillings
Composite resin and amalgam silver fillings are the two most common dental fillings.
Composite fillings for dental restorations
In dental fillings, composite material is used to create tooth-coloured fillings made of plastic, glass, and resin. Similarly, these fillings are most commonly used in children. The resin fillings mimic the natural appearance of teeth and are less noticeable than amalgam fillings.. In conclusion, fillings have several advantages and disadvantages, including:
Advantages:
- It is virtually impossible to tell that the white fillings made from composite materials are not natural teeth.
- It is safe and effective to fill children’s teeth with composite dental fillings.
- The material bonds well to teeth, ensuring they are strong and less likely to fall out of place.
- Maintains more of the natural tooth structure than a filling.
Disadvantages:
- The cost of composite fillings is higher than that of amalgam fillings.
- A composite filling takes longer to place than an amalgam filling, which can pose a challenge for unconscious young children.
Alloy Dental Fillings (Amalgam Fillings)
In the context of amalgam, silver, tin, and mercury are alloyed together to form a metal composition. Fillings made from amalgam are typically strong and durable, but they have a noticeable appearance and can make teeth more sensitive. In conclusion, fillings have several advantages and disadvantages, including:
Advantages:
- Most places where teeth have lost structure, including large cavities, can be filled with amalgam.
- Amalgam is a durable and strong material that can easily withstand biting pressures.
- Placing silver fillings is one of the most economical dental procedures.
Disadvantages:
- Due to its silver colour, amalgam is noticeable in the mouth.
- A silver filling contains approximately 50 per cent mercury, a toxic metal.
- As amalgam ages, it may expand and contract, causing cracks in the teeth.
We’re here to help you schedule the next appointment for your child!
Our young patients benefit from composite fillings! We will explain the dental filling process and answer all your questions so you can make the best decision for your child.
The team at the Kids Dentist of Las Vegas is led by Dr Weston Milne, who has provided expert, compassionate care for children and teenagers for many years.
It makes us proud to be a Children’s dentistry Las Vegas clinic you can trust. Give us a call at 702-454-1008 to schedule an appointment.