Traditional dental fillings are done with dental amalgam, which is a mixture that consists of fifty percent mercury and a combination of silver, tin, copper, and zinc. The amalgam is durable, inexpensive, easy to use and requires no follow-up visits. It is possible for a filling to fall out or break, but that is rare with this material. Fillings last for fifteen to twenty years and need little of the original tooth surface to be removed before applying the filling. The biggest issue with amalgam is the silver color of it. It contrasts with the natural color of the tooth and makes fillings very noticeable.
There are other materials that can be used for a Dental Filling in Jackson MI. Gold is durable but is very expensive. The composite resin material is preferred by some patients because the color matches the natural color of the tooth. Fillings blend in and are virtually undetectable. The material is more expensive than traditional amalgam and is less durable. Those fillings will only last for up to ten years and require a lot of care. The material can chip, break, and require follow-up visits to fix. It also takes more time in the dentist’s chair to have a tooth filled with composite resin than with amalgam. Cosmetic fillings require more out-of-pocket expense for patients with dental insurance. Insurance companies will often cover the cost of the traditional filling that is less expensive. The difference is left for the patient to pay, in addition to any co-payments required by the insurance plan.
The material for a Dental Filling in Jackson MI can be determined on a case by case basis depending on the patients’ preference. Some people use traditional materials for back teeth and use the more expensive composite resin for front teeth. Others prefer cosmetic fillings for all their teeth and are willing to pay the extra cost to get them. Be sure to understand the costs and maintenance of each choice before making a decision. Check with the insurance company to see what costs are covered and what is not covered. Consult the dentist and ask for recommendations. Click here for more info on the options for filling materials.
