Types of Dental Fillings for Cavities: What Patients Should Know

July 1, 2025

Even with the best care, cavities can still catch you off guard. Thankfully, modern dental fillings offer reliable solutions to restore your smile and protect your teeth. But with several filling types available, making the right choice matters. Here’s a clear look at what each option offers—and how to decide which is best for your needs.

Key Factors That Influence Filling Choice

Before your dentist gets started, they’ll consider a few key points:

Location of the cavity: Is it on a front tooth where it’s visible? Or in the back, where the chewing force is stronger?
Size of the cavity: Bigger cavities need more durable materials.
Your age: Some fillings are better suited for kids.
Budget and insurance: Cost plays a part, especially for materials like gold or ceramic.
Allergies or sensitivities: Some patients can’t tolerate certain metals.

Every patient has unique needs. It’s important to reach out to a dentist near you who can explain your options and recommend the filling that best suits your situation.

Amalgam Fillings: The Traditional Metal Option

Amalgam has been around for over a century. It’s a mix of metals like silver, tin, and copper.

Why do people still choose amalgam?

Strong and long-lasting
Works well in molars where chewing pressure is high
Less expensive than newer materials

What to keep in mind:

The silver color is visible when you smile
Requires more drilling than other types
May react to temperature changes

While less common today, amalgam remains reliable for those who value strength over appearance.

Composite Resin Fillings: The Tooth-Colored Favorite

Want a filling that blends in with your natural tooth? Composite resin might be your pick. Dentists apply it in layers, shaping it to match your tooth.

Benefits of composite fillings:

Matches your tooth color exactly
Bonds directly to your tooth
Preserves more natural structure

Things to consider:

May wear down faster on molars
Takes more time to place than metal
Slightly more expensive than amalgam

If you’re looking for a dentist offering dental fillings near you, always clarify your doubts before going for this option.

Ceramic Fillings: Durable and Aesthetic

Ceramic (often porcelain) fillings are crafted to match your tooth’s shape and color. They’re made in a lab and bonded into place, often with little need for adjustment.

Why patients love ceramic:

Highly resistant to wear and stains
Long-lasting with proper care
Blends with the tooth surface

Watch out for:

Higher cost than resin or amalgam
Can be brittle under extreme force
Usually requires more than one visit

Ceramics works well for patients who want both strength and a natural look, especially for larger fillings.

Gold Fillings: Premium Strength and Longevity

Gold fillings don’t come cheap, but they last. Some stay in place for 20 years or more. Crafted from gold alloy, they’re ideal for people who value durability above all.

Advantages of gold:

Exceptional strength and durability
It won’t corrode or break
Doesn’t wear down opposing teeth

Things to weigh:

Very noticeable—some like it, some don’t
Higher cost than other materials
Takes two visits: one for impressions, one for placement

While gold may not appeal to everyone aesthetically, those who choose it often benefit from a filling that can last a lifetime with proper care.

Glass Ionomer Fillings: Ideal for Kids and Sensitive Areas

These fillings release fluoride over time, helping to protect the tooth from further decay. That makes them a great choice for children, especially for baby teeth.

Benefits of glass ionomer:

Fluoride release helps prevent future cavities
Bonds directly to the tooth structure
Good for hard-to-reach areas

Limitations:

Less durable than composite or ceramic
Usually used on non-chewing surfaces
More prone to wear over time

If your child has a cavity near the gum line or a spot that’s hard to reach, this could be the solution your dentist recommends.

Temporary Fillings: A Short-Term Solution

Sometimes, your tooth needs a little break before the final fix. That’s where temporary fillings come in. These are quick and easy to place, and they serve a purpose.

When to use a temporary filling:

During a root canal
After emergency treatment
Before placing a crown or permanent filling

What to expect:

Not meant to last more than a few weeks
A softer material, so avoid chewing hard foods
Must be replaced with a permanent solution

Temporary fillings protect your tooth while you wait for a more lasting repair.

Which Filling Type Is Right for You?

Your dentist won’t expect you to decide alone. But it helps to go in with a basic idea of what might work best.

Here is a quick guide to help you think it through:

Want something invisible? Composite or ceramic.
Need long-term strength? Gold or ceramic.
On a budget? Amalgam or glass ionomer.
Filling for a child? Glass ionomer may be best.
Just need something for now? Temporary will do.

Patients seeking dental fillings in St. Michael (if they are from that area) often have a range of options, depending on the cavity’s location and the extent of the repair needed.

Final Thoughts

Cavities don’t have to disrupt your life. With the correct care, your smile can stay healthy and strong. At St. Michael Dental Center, we help you choose the best filling for lasting comfort and function. Don’t wait for decay to spread—book your appointment today and take the first step toward a confident, cavity-free smile.

Back to Blog