According to recent National Institute of Health studies, some 92% of adults have dental cavities and many of those present in their front teeth. If neglected or left untreated, tooth decay can lead to tooth loss. And if it’s a front tooth, that can greatly affect your appearance and oral health.
You might know of people with a silver or gold filling in their front teeth as part of a fashion trend. Those flashy fillings are certainly an option for you. But there are other choices, as well. Here’s a breakdown of all the materials a dentist can use to fill a cavity in a front tooth.
Types of Fillings for a Cavity in a Front Tooth
You have several choices for filling a cavity in a front tooth. Here’s a quick description of each option.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
These filling types are mixtures of silver, mercury, tin, zinc, and copper. The metals work together to create tough, malleable material that has a metallic silver appearance.
Gold Fillings
Like a silver filling on the front tooth, gold makes a statement, and it’s a good choice because it’s both soft and malleable as well as strong and durable. One drawback is that gold is expensive, although it lasts up to 15 years.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin is a blend of polymers and tooth-colored resin, so the filling will be less noticeable than other types of fillings. While it is tooth-colored, it isn’t specifically matched to the color of your teeth, so it may still be visible when someone is looking at your front teeth.
Glass Isomer Filling
This is a fairly new type of filling material that consists of a blend of polymers and glass. The combination gives teeth a natural appearance while still being very durable.
Porcelain Filling
Porcelain is one of the most expensive, high-end materials for fillings. This type of filling is matched to the color of your teeth, and it’s also resistant to staining.
Other Options for a Cavity in Your Front Tooth
Depending on the extent of the decay, your dentist may also recommend a crown for your front tooth. If the decay has penetrated into the root system of your tooth, a root canal may also be required. In more extreme cavity cases, it may be necessary to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental implant or bridge.
Call Us with All Your Questions!
At Aesthetic Dental Partners, we’re passionate about your smile! We aren’t happy until you are, so give us a call today for all your dental needs.
