Dental fillings are used to seal the gaps in your teeth to prevent further infection. However, some materials may work better than others, as an article over Health24 states:

“New findings by researchers from the SYSTEM Initiative based in Wits University’s Department of Community Dentistry/Faculty of Health Sciences indicate that there is no evidence that high viscosity glass-ionomers are inferior to silver amalgams.

This has challenged the supremacy of silver amalgams in dentistry and the widely held believe that these amalgams make better and more lasting tooth fillings than high viscosity glass-ionomers.

Experts have for decades spoken out against dentists’ choice to use of glass-ionomers instead of silver amalgam or composite resin materials for load bearing posterior tooth restorations. But their beliefs have been based on clinical evidence that, when closely examined, holds little scientific weight.”

Utahns, as anyone else, may need a bit more information about the filling materials that may work best for their teeth. The state has its own health program administered by the local Health Department offering support for many procedures. If you decide to push ahead with having your teeth sealed up with fillings but don’t know which material is optimal, an expert Sandy Dentist like Alpenglow Dental’s Dr. Brandon Woodward will work it through with you.

Aside from the above two, dental fillings also may comprise gold alloy and resin composite. Amalgam fillings have been previously certified by the Food and Drug Administration as safe for patients at least six years of age, despite having a small percentage of mercury mixed in with tin and copper.

High-viscosity glass ionomer fillings are used for load-bearing posterior cavities in permanent teeth. In determining the notability of glass ionomers vis-à-vis amalgam fillings, the researchers scoured for information from English and foreign-language databases around the world. The conclusion reached was that using glass ionomers do not need drilling for filling application, making it easier to retain existing filling material.

Plugging gaps in your teeth is essential to prevent further infection. A dentist from Sandy from the Alpenglow Dental crew, for instance, can make the procedure as safe and comfortable for you.

(Article Information and Image from Glass-ionomer fillings not inferior to amalgams, Health24, 9 January 2014)