Types of Fillings to Consider

AMALGAM

Amalgam fillings are metallic fillings made from a mixture of silver, tin, copper, zinc, and mercury. The cost for these fillings ranges from $125 to $225. They are very strong and can last between 20 to 40 years. However, amalgam fillings do not effectively seal out mouth bacteria, allowing decay bacteria to penetrate between the tooth and the amalgam. Additionally, amalgam can predispose teeth to cracking, raising controversial health and environmental concerns.

COMPOSITE RESIN

Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored options made from plastic combined with fine glass or quartz particles. The cost for composite resin fillings typically ranges from $155 to $525, reflecting the increased time and skill required for application. These fillings have reasonable strength and can last anywhere from 5 to over 10 years. A bonding liquid is used to secure the composite resin to the tooth, effectively sealing out bacteria. However, bonds can fail due to saliva contamination, leading to severe complications such as decay or the need for root canal therapy.

GLASS IONOMER

Glass ionomer fillings are another tooth-colored option with a high fluoride content that recharges with fluoride from daily tooth brushing. Their cost ranges from $185 to $225. One of the advantages of glass ionomer fillings is that no bond is required to degrade or fail, as they seal the tooth completely. These fillings are often used in minimum intervention dentistry due to their anti-decay properties. Recent advancements in technology have significantly improved their strength.