Eating a healthy diet, brushing and flossing daily along with seeing your dentist on a regular basis are some of the best ways to avoid dental decay. Dental decay is caused by the bacteria in your mouth, which create acidic waste in response to the foods you eat. This acid can dissolve the enamel on your teeth and create a hole called a dental cavity. Even though other injuries in your body may be able to heal without medical intervention, cavities cannot. Your dentist has to remove the decayed part of the tooth and then fill the area with a dental filling. Many types of dental fillings are available.

Amalgam is the most affordable type of dental filling. It is made of mercury, silver, copper, tin and zinc. Your dentist will remove the decay from your tooth and form retention grooves to hold the amalgam filling. Since healthy tooth structure must be removed to place the filling, tooth fractures can occur over time. Plus, amalgam is less cosmetically pleasing and can turn from silver to black over time. Yet, it is a very strong, durable filling and can last well over a decade when properly maintained.

Composite resins are the most common white dental fillings available now. Tooth-colored fillings are designed to closely match the natural tooth color and provide a subtle, natural-looking restoration. Although they are very strong and durable, they are not quite as strong as amalgam. Unlike amalgam, composite resin creates a chemical bond with the tooth, which means that less healthy tooth structure should be removed during the placement of the filling. The tooth will then have a better chance of remaining strong and healthy over time.

Another tooth-colored filling option is glass ionomer. Similar to composite resin, glass ionomer bonds chemically to the tooth, still it is not as strong or durable as composite resin or amalgam. It also tends to stain easily. However, some dentists prefer glass ionomer because ionomer can release fluoride throughout the lifetime of the filling, which strengthens the tooth itself.

Porcelain dental fillings are stronger, more durable and more stain resistant than other white fillings. As with other tooth-colored fillings, porcelain bonds directly with the tooth, and it can even strengthen the tooth after placement. The primary disadvantage to porcelain dental fillings is the expense. Porcelain dental fillings are more complex than other fillings, and they require two dental visits instead of one.

You and your dentist will work together to determine the best filling option for your teeth. Composite resin and glass ionomer are often good choices for small cavities while larger cavities may require amalgam dental fillings, porcelain fillings or dental crowns. Once the decay has been removed and the cavity filled, brushing and flossing after meals will help keep your teeth, gums and restorations in good condition.

You can visit WilshireDentalCare.com for more information. Our Los Angeles dental fillings, white fillings, tooth-colored fillings and amalgam fillings specialist can help you find the right treatment options for your dental issues.