Dental Fillings in Indonesia: Types, Materials, Pros and Cons

A cavity makes life uncomfortable for anyone who has one. Chewing suffers because food gets stuck in the hole, teeth ache when hot or cold food touches them, and the tongue can develop canker sores from rubbing against a sharp, broken tooth.

Cavities have many causes, from brushing the wrong way and using a hard toothbrush to bacteria from food left on the teeth because brushing missed it.

Fillings come in several types, depending on the procedure and the material used.

Direct Fillings

A direct filling treats a cavity in a single visit. The materials usually used are amalgam, composite resin and glass ionomer.

Indirect Fillings

An indirect filling takes several visits. It is usually done for teeth with a large cavity that need an inlay, onlay or crown. The filling materials are a mix (gold, composite resin, porcelain) that has to be made in a laboratory, so the process cannot be finished in one appointment.

By material, there are several types of fillings to choose from for a cavity, depending on your needs.

Amalgam (metal and mercury)

The advantages of amalgam are that it is strong and cheap. Its drawbacks are that it can discolor the tooth and weaken the tooth structure that remains. It can also cause allergic reactions such as itching because of the mercury it contains. Amalgam is polished at the next visit.

Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer can be used on children's teeth. It can match the color of the tooth and rarely causes allergies. Its drawbacks are that it breaks easily and plaque builds up on it easily.

Composite Resin

Composite resin is very close to the color of the tooth, durable and resistant to chewing pressure, it can be polished right away and it is easy to repair. Its weaknesses are that it breaks easily, is hard to apply, is expensive, leaks easily and carries a risk of allergic reactions such as itching.

Porcelain

The advantages of porcelain are that it matches the color of the tooth and causes no allergic reactions. However, it can wear down the opposing tooth, it is brittle and cracks quickly, and quite a lot of tooth tissue has to be removed to place a porcelain filling.

Gold Alloy

The advantages of a gold alloy are that it is very strong, has a low risk of leaking and resists corrosion. Its drawbacks are that it is fairly expensive, its color does not match the tooth and it sometimes causes allergies.

After the dentist assesses the damage to your tooth, the dentist and patient usually agree on which type of filling to use, based on the patient's needs and budget. Once the filling is in place, the patient also has to take care of it so it lasts and does not wear out easily. Avoiding sticky, chewy and hard foods helps keep a filling from being damaged. See your dentist every six months, or whenever you feel it is necessary.