Understanding Root Canal Procedures

Pros And Cons Of Glass Ionomer Filling Materials

23 January 2019

Diane Mason

Most people have dental decay, and decay must be removed precisely and efficiently. Your dentist will also fill in the hole where the decay was removed. Dental fillings are composed out of a variety of different materials, and some of them you may have never heard of before. This is often true of glass ionomer fillings. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of this filling material.

Pros Of Glass Ionomer

If you do not like the look of silver or gold fillings, then glass ionomer ones are a good option since they are tooth colored. Their appearance is similar to that of resin composite fillings and this makes them unnoticeable when placed within the teeth.

Glass ionomer fillings are formed from a mixture of an acidic fluid and a glass powder. This forms a cement that is then spread on the tooth to fill in the cavity space. And, the cement interacts with your tooth and creates a chemical bond. This is different from other fillings materials that are cured. Specifically, the cement will not shrink or pull away from the tooth, so infection and cavity risks around the perimeter of the filling are reduced.

Since the glass material bonds with your tooth, the tooth surface does not need nearly as much preparation. This means that extensive filing and acid etching are not needed. Due to this, less of the natural tooth material is removed before the filling is secured.

Cons Of Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer fillings do have some drawbacks and this is why they are rarely used in everyday practice. For example, the material rarely lasts a long time and it is not that strong. This means that it is not ideal for placement along biting surfaces where the vast majority of cavities develop. They are more often placed along the necks or sides of the teeth and often where there are some spacial constraints.

The glass-based fillings are often used for children as well, so your dentist may not be as familiar with the compound if he or she does not typically see children in their practice.

However, if you do need additional fluoride due to advanced demineralization concerns, then the ionomer material can actually be constructed to release fluoride over time. So, the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks. And, in this situation, the glass ionomer can be mixed with a bit of resin to ensure they are as durable as possible.

If you want to know more about glass ionomer materials or other types of fillings, contact a dental clinic.

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