Introduction:
Whether you’re a newly graduated dentist or a patient seeking the best option for restoring your teeth, dental fillings remain one of the most common and essential procedures in modern dentistry.
What many people don’t realize is that choosing the right type of filling isn’t one-size-fits-all — it depends on the case, the location of the tooth, budget, aesthetics, and more.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most widely used modern dental filling materials, their pros and cons, and when to choose each — with a professional touch inspired by high-level practices such as Dr. Abdurrahman Öztürk’s Dental Clinic in Istanbul.
1. Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored Resin)
Advantages:
- Matches natural tooth color
- Bonds well to tooth structure
- Ideal for front teeth or visible areas
- Requires less tooth removal compared to amalgam
Limitations:
- Less durable in large posterior fillings
- Can stain over time
- Slightly more expensive
🦷 Best for:
Patients prioritizing aesthetics
Small to medium cavities in visible teeth
2. Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings)
Advantages:
- Very strong and long-lasting (10+ years)
- Cost-effective
- Quick to place
Limitations:
- Metallic color is clearly visible
- Requires more tooth removal
- Contains mercury (though in safe, stable form)
🦷 Best for:
Cases where durability outweighs appearance
Molars and areas under high chewing pressure
3. Glass Ionomer Fillings
Advantages:
- Releases fluoride to help prevent further decay
- Bonds chemically to tooth
- Good for pediatric and non-load-bearing areas
Limitations:
- Less aesthetic than composite
- Not as durable under heavy chewing
🦷 Best for:
Patients with high caries risk
Cervical lesions
Baby teeth
4. Bioceramic & Bioactive Fillings (Advanced Options)
These are new-generation materials that combine the strength of traditional options with biological compatibility.
They promote dentin regeneration and long-term sealing.
🦷 Best for:
- Deep restorations
- Patients with sensitivity
- Dentists focused on biomimetic dentistry
💡 Clinics like Dr. Abdurrahman Öztürk’s integrate such advanced materials into their cosmetic and restorative protocols — offering durable, safe, and highly aesthetic results for both local and international patients.
How to Choose the Right Filling?
| Factor | Recommended Filling |
|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Composite or Bioceramic |
| Durability | Amalgam or Bioceramic |
| Fluoride release | Glass Ionomer |
| Budget-friendly | Amalgam |
| Child patients | Glass Ionomer |
Always consult with your dentist to select the option that balances health, function, and appearance.
Conclusion:
Modern dentistry is no longer about filling a hole — it’s about restoring health, confidence, and beauty to the smile.
Understanding the types of dental fillings available today empowers both dentists and patients to make smarter choices.
And when excellence meets precision — as seen in clinics like Dr. Abdurrahman Öztürk’s in Istanbul — the results speak for themselves.
