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Did you know that more than 530 million children worldwide have dental caries, and that dental caries is the most prevalent disease in both children and adults? This report given by the World Health Organization (WHO) invites us to reflect on dental care.

Visiting our dentist in a timely manner will help us to prevent these carious lesions from advancing to the point of losing our teeth. Many times we need a “dental healing” because due to caries or sometimes due to trauma we can lose a part of our teeth; the lost structure will be replaced by dental fillings to restore functionality and esthetics to the teeth. For years, amalgam has been the preferred dental filling, but nowadays with the evolution of dental materials, different options can be found depending on the need of the treatment and the patient’s choice.

WHAT ARE DENTAL FILLINGS?

Dental fillings are substitute materials for the part of the tooth that was destroyed by dental caries or trauma. These fillings must restore the tooth’s functionality in order to be able to chew properly and at the same time they must resemble the color and shape of the tooth.

OUR REVIEWS

Omowunmi S.

20:20 24 Mar 23

Who likes going to the dentist!! I didn't until now... The staff and dentists here are really nice, professional and they take care to out you at ease. Perla on front desk is a sweetheart and always willing to help. I've had teeth cleanings and seen Dr. Nick, both gentlemen were gentle with me as I explained my nerves and concerns about my teeth. They took time to explain everything, answer all my questions and follow up after procedures.I was so comfortable during my last cleaning, I had a little chill and nap! Thanks guys. Best part is knowing I'm in good hands as I get my dental issues fixed!!

Georgia T.

22:59 22 Mar 23

Just always great here! Professional, clean, friendly…I can’t say enough about this place!

Mawi T.

21:45 21 Mar 23

Sage U.

21:27 21 Mar 23

First time coming back after moving away, and they are always the best. Actually take the time to have a conversation and break down any questions you have. You feel so welcomed, and appreciated. I will always look forward to going to the dentist for my cleanings as long as it is here! I also have really back anxiety with dentist and they did nothing but tell me every move so I would be prepared.

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WHAT TYPES OF FILLINGS CAN WE FIND?

Nowadays we can find different types of dental fillings among them we have:

Dental amalgams: The amalgams or also known as “Silver colored fillings” result from the combination of different metals being the main ones mercury, silver, tin and copper. Among the advantages of this material is its hardness and durability as well as the cost, but they have the disadvantage that the color they present by their metals do not return the aesthetics to the tooth. Giving it a gray or black appearance.

Gold Fillings: They are one of the most expensive dental fillings because they have gold alloy and other metals but more compatible with tissues such as gum and tooth, is a material that has been used for many years ago because it has great durability, one of its disadvantages like the amalgam is the color they have because it decreases the aesthetics of the dental restoration.

Composite Resins: Also known as Composites, it is the most used material nowadays due to its similarity with the color of the tooth, compared to amalgams, giving the tooth a natural appearance, they also present good hardness and resistance.

Porcelain Dental Filling: This type of filling as well as gold fillings are expensive, but its benefits are its great similarity to the appearance of the tooth and its durability in the mouth.

Glass Ionomer Fillings: Its exclusive use is in children in milk teeth because its resistance is not very good, one of its advantages is that within its components has fluoride which helps protect teeth against carious lesions.

WHAT TYPES OF FILLINGS CAN WE FIND?

Nowadays we can find different types of dental fillings among them we have:

Dental amalgams: The amalgams or also known as “Silver colored fillings” result from the combination of different metals being the main ones mercury, silver, tin and copper. Among the advantages of this material is its hardness and durability as well as the cost, but they have the disadvantage that the color they present by their metals do not return the aesthetics to the tooth. Giving it a gray or black appearance.

Gold Fillings: They are one of the most expensive dental fillings because they have gold alloy and other metals but more compatible with tissues such as gum and tooth, is a material that has been used for many years ago because it has great durability, one of its disadvantages like the amalgam is the color they have because it decreases the aesthetics of the dental restoration.

Composite Resins: Also known as Composites, it is the most used material nowadays due to its similarity with the color of the tooth, compared to amalgams, giving the tooth a natural appearance, they also present good hardness and resistance.

Porcelain Dental Filling: This type of filling as well as gold fillings are expensive, but its benefits are its great similarity to the appearance of the tooth and its durability in the mouth.

Glass Ionomer Fillings: Its exclusive use is in children in milk teeth because its resistance is not very good, one of its advantages is that within its components has fluoride which helps protect teeth against carious lesions.

ARE DENTAL AMALGAMS HARMFUL?

Because the doubt arose that dental amalgams were harmful to health due to the presence of mercury, several investigations and scientific studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that dental amalgams are safe and the American Dental Association (ADA) reaffirmed the safety of the use of dental amalgams. However, they also said that its use should be limited due to the pollution it causes in the environment when it decomposes.

A recommendation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid if possible the use of dental amalgam. FDA is to avoid if possible the placement of this dental filling in children under 6 years old, pregnant women or women who plan to be pregnant, as well as people with neurological problems; in case of presenting a dental filling with amalgam and this is in good condition it is recommended not to remove it unless it is necessary.

HOW CAN I TAKE CARE OF MY DENTAL FILLINGS?

Care often depends on the type of material, but the fundamental ones are the following:

Apply a proper brushing technique and brush at least three times a day, especially at night.
Use fluoride toothpaste to protect teeth against caries.
Use dental floss and mouthwash with each brushing.
Visit the dentist for a check-up at least twice a year and mandatory if you notice any change in your dental filling.