Dental fillings are one of the most common dental treatments, and they play a crucial role in restoring teeth affected by cavities or decay. When your dentist recommends a filling, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to choose the right one, especially with the variety of options available today. Read along as we highlight the different types of dental fillings and help you understand which might be the best option for your specific needs.

What are dental fillings?

A dental filling is used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the cavity is cleaned before being filled with a suitable material. Fillings help restore the tooth’s structure, function, and appearance, preventing further damage and preserving your oral health. There are several types of materials used for fillings, which include:

1. Amalgam fillings (Silver fillings)

Amalgam fillings, often referred to as “silver fillings,” have been a staple in dentistry for over 150 years. They are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. Amalgam is durable and long-lasting.

Pros

• Durability – Amalgam is highly durable and can withstand the pressures of chewing, making it a popular choice for back teeth (molars).
• Cost-effective – Amalgam fillings are generally more affordable compared to other options, making them a good choice for people on a budget.
• Long lifespan – These fillings can last 10–15 years or longer with proper care, making them an excellent investment for patients who need long-term durability.

Cons

• Aesthetic concerns – Due to their silver-grey colour, amalgam fillings are visible when you smile or talk, making them less appealing for people with cavities in visible areas.
• Mercury content – Though the mercury in amalgam is widely considered safe in the quantities used in fillings, some people prefer to avoid mercury-based materials.

These are best for the Back teeth (molars) where aesthetics is less of a concern and durability is more important.

2. Composite resin fillings

Composite fillings are made of a tooth-coloured resin that is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural colour of your teeth. These fillings are commonly used for cavities in the front teeth or other visible areas.

Pros

• Aesthetic appeal – The biggest advantage of composite resin fillings is their ability to match the natural colour of your teeth. They are a great option for fillings in visible areas.
• Bonding to the tooth – Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, providing extra support and potentially preventing further damage to the tooth.
• Minimal tooth removal – Less of the tooth structure needs to be removed compared to amalgam fillings, making the process less invasive.

Cons

• Durability – While composite fillings are durable, they are not as long-lasting as amalgam. They may wear down faster, especially for back teeth where there is more pressure from chewing.
• Cost – Composite fillings tend to be more expensive than amalgam fillings, making them a higher-cost option.
• Staining – Over time, composite fillings may stain from coffee, tea, or tobacco, affecting their appearance.

Composite resins are most suitable for Front teeth or areas where aesthetics are a priority, and for patients who prefer a more natural-looking filling.

3. Porcelain fillings (Inlays and Onlays)

Porcelain fillings are custom-made in a dental laboratory and are typically used for larger cavities or when the composite resin isn’t durable enough. These fillings are often called inlays or onlays, depending on how much of the tooth they cover.

Pros

• Natural appearance – Porcelain fillings are highly aesthetic and closely resemble natural tooth enamel, making them ideal for visible areas.
• Stain resistance – Porcelain is resistant to staining, so it maintains its colour over time.
• Durability – Porcelain is strong and durable, offering long-lasting protection for your tooth. Inlays and onlays are typically used for moderate to large cavities.

Cons

• Cost – Porcelain fillings tend to be more expensive than both amalgam and composite fillings due to the custom fabrication process.
• Time – Getting a porcelain filling usually requires two visits to the dentist—one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and another to place the filling.
• More invasive – In order to fit the filling properly, a significant amount of tooth structure may need to be removed.

Porcelain fillings are best for patients who want a durable, natural-looking filling for visible areas, and for those with larger cavities.

4. Glass ionomer fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are made from a combination of acrylic acid and fine glass particles. These fillings release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from further decay. Glass ionomer fillings are commonly used for fillings in areas that are not subject to heavy chewing pressure, such as around the gum line.

Pros

• Fluoride release – Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from future decay.
• Aesthetic appeal – Though not as tooth-coloured as composite resin or porcelain, glass ionomer fillings are still more aesthetically pleasing than amalgam.
• Biocompatible – Glass ionomer fillings are generally well tolerated by the body and are considered biocompatible.

Cons

• Less durable – These fillings are not as durable as other options and may wear out faster, especially on teeth that experience heavy chewing pressure.
• More noticeable – Glass ionomer fillings are not as translucent as porcelain or composite fillings, so they are more noticeable when used in visible areas.

Glass ionomer is most suitable for smaller fillings or fillings in areas where durability is not as critical, such as for primary (baby) teeth or cavities near the gumline.

Our take

Choosing the right dental filling may be an uphill task, but knowing what to look for can make that a little bit easier. One of the most important considerations is where to get the dental fillings from. You should get a competent and reliable dental care partner to help with your problem. For patients in Nairobi and its environs, Nairobi Sterling Dental Clinic is the ideal place for your dental fillings. Visit us today at our Parklands clinic, at the Park Suites Building in Parklands. You can also contact us for enquiries or book an appointment to see our dentists for consultations. At our clinic, we Make Your smiles Bright, with the right dental fillings for you.