Dental Fillings 101: Discover the Best Options for a Healthier Smile

Whether you’re facing your first cavity or replacing a cracked filling, you have several dental filling choices. Dental fillings can help save your tooth and prevent more extensive work like a root canal.

At Oasis Family Dental in the Jefferson Park/Gladstone Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, we personalize every treatment plan. Paula Skowronski-Adamiak, DDS evaluates your oral health, lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals to help you choose the right dental filling. 

What are dental fillings? 

Dental fillings are restorative treatments to repair tooth damage caused by decay, wear-and-tear, or minor fractures. For example, imagine having a cavity in one of your back molars. Dr. Skowronski-Adamiak removes a portion of the decay and rebuilds the tooth as needed with a special material to restore your tooth’s structure and function. 

That special material is the dental filling. The right dental fillings can restore your existing tooth or prevent your need for a root canal. 

Types of dental fillings 

Let’s explore your choices. These four types of fillings have pros and cons that are best discussed with your dentist and applied to your individual situation. 

1. Composite (tooth-colored) 

Composite fillings make a good choice when you want a natural look. These fillings are made from a resin-based material that bonds directly to your tooth and matches your tooth color. 

In some cases, they may wear away a little faster, but most have a lifespan of 5-10 years. 

2. Porcelain or ceramic inlays and onlays 

Got a larger cavity that’s too big for a regular dental filling but not quite bad enough to need a crown? That’s where the porcelain inlays and onlays can shine.

We often use them in situations like: 

• Large cavities in molars 
• Old fillings that need a durable upgrade
• Replacing old silver fillings 

 These dental fillings are custom-crafted in a lab just for your tooth and can last for 10 or more years. 

3. Gold fillings 

Some people request the gold fillings for their longevity. They’re super durable and can last twenty years or more. 

4. Silver (amalgam) fillings 

These traditional fillings have a proven track record. Made of a blend of mercury and metal alloys like silver, tin, and copper, they’re durable and last for about a decade. 

What’s the best dental filling for you? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the health of your teeth, your goals, and your preferences. We walk you through your options and make recommendations to ensure you’re pleased with your smile. 

Every filling eventually needs replacing. They wear down over time due to daily use. With regular dental visits, we keep an eye on your filling structure and check for chips or cracks that indicate it’s time for a replacement. 

If you suspect you need a filling replaced or simply want to schedule routine dental care, Oasis Family Dental in Chicago can help. You can schedule your appointment today with our online scheduling tool.