Cavity Filling Materials: Best Options for Your Teeth

For a healthy, confident smile, a trip to the dentist in Launceston might involve getting a filling. Finding out you have a ‘hole’ or a cavity in your tooth can be a bit of a downer, but getting it fixed is one of the most common and important procedures your dentist does.

The good news is that modern dentistry offers fantastic options. However, with several Cavity Filling Materials available, how do you know which one is the right choice for your tooth? This guide will break down the options helping you understand your choices so you can chat confidently with your dentist.

What Are Cavity Fillings?

A cavity, or caries, is essentially a hole in your tooth caused by decay. This happens when the bacteria in your mouth produce acid that eats away at the hard outer layer of your tooth, the enamel, and the inner layer, the dentine.

A dental filling, also called a restoration, is a treatment to repair this damage.

The process is straightforward:

1. Your dentist will first numb the area (usually with a local anaesthetic).
2. They will then carefully remove all the decayed or rotten tooth material.
3. Finally, they fill the clean hole (the cavity) with a strong material to seal the tooth, restore its shape and function, and prevent further decay.

Why Choosing the Right Cavity Filling Material is Important

Choosing the right material isn’t just about what looks good; it’s about the long-term health of your mouth. The ideal material for a filling depends on a few key factors:

• Location: Is it a highly visible front tooth, or a back molar used for heavy chewing?
• Size: Is the cavity tiny, or is it large and deep?
• Cost: Different materials come with different price tags.
• Durability: How long do you expect the filling to last before needing a replacement?

Types of Cavity Filling Materials

Dentists use a handful of reliable materials. Here are the main Types of Fillings you’ll encounter in a modern dental practice:

1. Composite Resin (Tooth-Coloured Fillings)

This is by far the most popular choice today. Composite fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles.

2. Dental Amalgam (Silver Fillings)

The traditional, classic ‘silver filling’. It is a mix of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. While still used, its popularity has declined, particularly in visible areas, due to its colour.

3. Gold Fillings

These are custom-made restorations, often called inlays or onlays. They are a combination of gold, copper, and other metals.

4. Porcelain/Ceramic Fillings

These are also custom-made in a dental laboratory, much like a crown, and are a premium Dental Filling Option.

5. Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)

Made from acrylic and a specific kind of glass, this material is often used for smaller, non-biting surfaces, or for temporary restorations. A key benefit is that it releases fluoride, which helps protect the surrounding tooth.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Each Filling Material

Understanding the pros and cons is crucial for making an informed decision.

Material	Key Benefits (Pros)	Drawbacks (Cons)
Composite Resin(White/Tooth-Coloured)	Aesthetics: Matches the colour of your natural teeth, making it virtually invisible. Bonding: Chemically bonds to the tooth, supporting the remaining structure. Versatile: Can be used for front and back teeth.	Durability: May not last as long as gold or amalgam, particularly in large back-tooth fillings. Time: Takes a bit longer to place than amalgam. Staining: Can potentially stain over time from coffee, tea, etc.
Dental Amalgam(Silver)	Strength: Extremely durable and resistant to wear, excellent for back molars. Cost:Generally the cheapest option. Longevity:Can last for 10-15 years or more.	Aesthetics: Silver colour is very noticeable. Preparation: Requires more healthy tooth structure to be removed to hold the filling in place. Temperature:May expand and contract more with temperature changes, potentially leading to tooth cracks over a long time.
Gold	Durability: The most durable and long-lasting choice, often lasting 15+ years. Strength: Very well tolerated by the gum tissue.	Cost: The most expensive option. Aesthetics: The gold colour is highly noticeable. Appointments: Requires at least two dental visits to complete.
Porcelain/Ceramic	Aesthetics: Very natural-looking and highly resistant to staining. Strength:Almost as durable as gold and often used for larger restorations (inlays/onlays).	Cost: High cost, similar to gold. Brittleness: More brittle than composite or gold, so it can chip or break. Appointments: Requires at least two dental visits.
Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)	Fluoride Release: Releases fluoride, which helps prevent decay around the filling. Minimal Invasion: Requires less removal of healthy tooth structure.	Strength: The least durable; not recommended for chewing surfaces. Longevity: Shorter lifespan than composite or amalgam.

How to Choose the Right Filling Material for Your Cavity

There is no single “best” material; it’s about the best material for your specific situation. When discussing Best Filling Materials for Cavities with your dentist in Launceston, consider the following:

1. The Location of the Cavity

• Front Teeth (High Visibility): Composite Resin is the clear winner here due to its natural, tooth-coloured appearance. Porcelain/Ceramic is a premium alternative.
• Back Molars (Heavy Chewing): Durability is key. Amalgam or Gold offer superior strength for withstanding biting forces. Composite Resin is also a good, more aesthetic option for small to medium-sized cavities in this area.

2. The Size of the Cavity

• Small Cavities: Most materials work well, but Composite Resin or Glass Ionomer is great for preserving more natural tooth structure.
• Large Cavities: Gold or Porcelain (Inlays/Onlays) are often recommended as they are stronger and less likely to break than a large composite or amalgam filling.

3. Your Budget

If cost is the main driver, Amalgam is typically the cheapest, followed by Composite Resin.

Longevity and Durability of Different Cavity Fillings

How long a filling lasts is a crucial consideration and often justifies the initial cost. Keep in mind that these are general estimates, and good oral hygiene is the biggest factor in any filling’s lifespan.

Filling Material	Estimated Lifespan (with good care)
Amalgam	10 to 15+ years
Composite Resin	5 to 10 years
Gold	15 to 30+ years (The longest-lasting)
Porcelain/Ceramic	10 to 15+ years
Glass Ionomer	3 to 5 years (Often used as a temporary or non-biting surface filling)

How Filling Materials Affect the Look of Your Teeth

For most people, a natural-looking smile is a high priority, which is why Amalgam vs Composite Fillings is such a common discussion.

• Invisible Fix: Composite and Porcelain fillings are designed to be indistinguishable from your natural tooth colour. The dentist can mix the material to perfectly match your surrounding teeth.
• Visible Metal: Amalgam fillings are shiny silver and are easily seen when you open your mouth widely. Gold fillings are also highly visible but are chosen by some for their premium, long-lasting nature.

If a filling is in your ‘smile line’ (the teeth visible when you talk or smile), most patients in Launceston and across Australia prefer to use a tooth-coloured material.

Caring for Your Cavity Filling

No matter which of the Dental Filling Options you choose, proper care is essential to ensure its longevity.

• Brush and Floss Regularly: This is the most important step. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to keep the area around the filling clean. Decay can start at the edge of a filling, which is why your cleaning habits matter.
• Routine Check-ups: Visit your dentist in Launceston for regular check-ups and cleans. Your dentist can spot tiny cracks or decay around the filling long before it causes a major problem.
• Avoid Excessive Force: Try not to chew on ice, hard lollies, or other extremely hard objects, as this can crack the filling or the tooth around it.
• Manage Grinding (Bruxism): If you grind your teeth at night, a custom-fitted mouthguard can protect all your teeth, including your fillings, from excessive wear and tear.

The Cost of Different Cavity Filling Materials

Cost is a practical consideration for every Australian family. Prices vary widely based on the material, the size of the cavity, the complexity of the procedure, and the dental clinic’s location (e.g., city vs. regional dentist Launceston).

• Amalgam: Generally the most affordable option, often ranging from $90 to $250 per filling.
• Composite Resin: A moderate price, typically ranging from $130 to $450 per filling. This is the most common option.
• Porcelain/Ceramic & Gold: These are custom, premium options and are significantly more expensive, often starting from $500 and going up to $1,500+ for inlays/onlays.

It’s important to remember that most private health insurance policies with Extras cover will provide a rebate, which can substantially reduce your out-of-pocket expense. Always check with your fund!

When Should You Replace a Cavity Filling?

Fillings are strong, but they aren’t meant to last forever. Over time, all materials wear down, chip, or leak. Your dentist will check your existing fillings at every check-up, looking for signs that a replacement is needed.

Signs a filling may need replacing:

• Cracks or Chips: Small cracks can let bacteria get underneath the filling and cause new decay (known as recurrent decay).
• Wear and Tear: Especially in back teeth, the material can wear down, leading to a poor fit or bite problems.
• Marginal Leakage: The filling no longer fits tightly against the tooth, allowing saliva and bacteria to ‘leak’ into the space.
• Sensitivity or Pain: New sensitivity or a dull ache could indicate decay is starting again underneath the old filling.

Do not wait for a filling to fall out completely. Regular maintenance and early replacement prevent a small problem from becoming a large one, which could lead to a root canal or even an extraction.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dental filling material is a collaborative decision between you and your trusted dentist in Launceston. While aesthetics often lead the conversation for visible teeth (making Composite Resin popular), for back teeth, durability and strength are just as important.

Be open with your dentist about your priorities—whether it’s longevity, a natural look, or budget—and they will guide you toward the perfect Cavity Filling Materials to restore your tooth’s health and keep your smile shining.

Call to Action

Ready to get on top of your dental health? If you’re due for a check-up or need to discuss your Dental Filling Options with a professional, don’t put it off.

Book your next appointment today with a local dentist in Launceston to ensure your existing fillings are in top shape and to find the right solution for any new cavities. Early detection and treatment are the keys to a lifelong healthy smile!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I choose a tooth-coloured filling for a back tooth?

A: Yes, absolutely. Modern Composite Resin materials are strong enough for most small and medium-sized cavities in back teeth. However, for a very large cavity that takes up most of the chewing surface, your dentist might still recommend a stronger material like an Amalgam, Gold, or Porcelain Onlay for maximum durability.

Q: Does the process of getting a filling hurt?

A: The filling procedure is generally pain-free. Your dentist in Launceston will use a local anaesthetic to completely numb the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue before they start. You might feel some pressure or vibration, but you shouldn’t feel any pain. Afterwards, it’s normal to have some mild sensitivity, which usually settles down in a few days.

Q: Is Amalgam (silver) safe because it contains mercury?

A: Yes, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) confirms that dental amalgam is a safe and effective filling material. The mercury in the filling is chemically bound with the other metals (silver, tin, copper) to form a stable, safe compound. While its use has decreased due to the popularity of aesthetic composite fillings, it is still a highly durable option supported by decades of research.

Q: How long do I have to wait before eating after getting a filling?

A:

• Composite Resin and Glass Ionomer: These fillings are set instantly with a curing light, so you can generally eat and drink straight away. However, it’s best to wait until the anaesthetic has worn off so you don’t accidentally bite your cheek or tongue.
• Amalgam: Traditionally, dentists advise waiting 24 hours before putting heavy chewing pressure on a new amalgam filling, as it takes time to reach its maximum strength. Follow your dentist’s specific advice.

Q: What is the difference between a filling, an inlay, and an onlay?

A:

• Filling: A restoration placed directly into the cavity during a single dental visit. This is for relatively small-to-medium decay.
• Inlay/Onlay: These are custom-made restorations (often from gold or porcelain) that require two appointments. An inlay fits inside the grooves of the biting surface. An onlay covers one or more of the tooth’s cusps (the points), offering more strength than a simple filling but less than a full crown. They are used for larger areas of decay or damage.