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What Is a Cavity Filled With? 

If you have a cavity, it is bacteria that has infiltrated your tooth and needs to be removed.  A filling is a dental procedure that removes the decay and prevents it from spreading to the rest of your tooth. Filling your cavities is an important part of good dental health, but what exactly goes into those fillings? Here's what your dentist might be putting into your teeth.

What Exactly Is a Filling?

During a filling, your dentist removes the decayed part of your tooth. With a series of drills and instruments, your dentist grinds away the decayed portions before filling them with a material that restores their shape and size.

Depending on the type of decay you have, your dentist might use laser technology. The choice of filling depends on your dentist's preferences, your budget, and the condition of your teeth.

Fillings Are Ancient History

Many people think dentistry is a modern practice, but evidence shows that people have relied on dental fillings for centuries. Researchers discovered a 6000-year-old corpse that had beeswax fillings in his mouth. There's evidence that the first gold fillings were developed in the second century.

Power Drills

In the 1800s and early 1900s, dentists were still using hand drills. When electricity came along, they were able to work more efficiently. The 1907 invention of Novocaine, which is still sold under that name, made dentistry a lot less frightening for most people. Fortunately, today's dentistry is fast, painless, and thoroughly modern in its techniques.

In 1955, dentist Michael Buonocore invented composite fillings. Gold, silver, and composite are still in use today. What else is available at your dentist's office?

Types of Cavity Filling

Here are the most common filling types. Talk to your dentist about the best choice for your teeth.

Amalgam

Sometimes called base metal amalgam, this is a mix of metals. The metals create a durable, flexible filling that fits anywhere in your mouth and can stand up to years of chewing. Amalgam is affordable and has been proven safe for centuries. The downside is that people may notice amalgam fillings when you eat or laugh. 

Composite

This material is made from resin and a mix of polymers, quartz, or glass. They can be colored to match your natural teeth. They can become stained or discolored years after placement, however, they are just as dependable as amalgam as they rely on bonding to help keep your tooth strong and durable.

Glass Ionomer

A blend of glass and acrylic, this type of filling is unique because it contains fluoride that it releases into your teeth. This type of filling is also less prone to leaving gaps or unsealed areas, which means your tooth is less likely to develop further decay. 

Gold Amalgam

This is the longest-lasting filling and the most expensive one. Gold fillings can last up to 15 years, and some people report keeping them safely in for 20 or more years. They are durable enough to use anywhere in your mouth. Some people don't mind the look of gold fillings, while other people find them too flashy.

Get Healthy Teeth at Malan Family Dentistry

Malan Family Dentistry can keep your whole family smiling with bright, healthy teeth and safe, painless cavity fillings. Contact us today for all your dental health needs.