Platinum Filling

Platinum Fillings, Platinum fillings are considered one of the most important types of fillings that have been widely used for a long time due to their various advantages that we will get to know in detail through this article. Additionally, we will shed light on the most significant drawbacks associated with them and the difference between them and other types of fillings. Follow us through the following paragraphs to learn about everything new related to tooth filling pain.

Platinum Filling

Platinum Filling

Platinum filling is considered one of the best medical options for treating dental problems as it has many advantages that make it superior to other types of fillings. This type of filling relies on platinum as the main material in its composition, making it durable, strong, and rigid to a great extent, capable of effectively withstanding the pressure of chewing for long periods of up to 15 years.

For this reason, platinum fillings are commonly used in the back teeth that are exposed to high chewing pressures. One of the good things about platinum fillings is that they are reasonably priced, making them affordable for a large number of people from various social classes and groups. Although there are other types of fillings, platinum filling is an excellent choice for anyone suffering from a dental problem.

What is the difference between light-cured filling and platinum?

Light-cured filling: This type of filling closely resembles natural teeth and is widely used in Egypt and most countries. This is due to its excellent aesthetic appearance and ease of use. However, one of its main drawbacks is that it does not last for long periods, only up to 10 years. It is also less durable and strong compared to other types of fillings, as it cannot withstand the high pressure from chewing if used in large cavities. Additionally, light-cured fillings are more expensive than other types of fillings, and they are more prone to falling out.

Platinum filling: It is composed of mercury and a group of other metals. It is commonly and widely used among many dentists due to its durability, strength, and toughness, as well as its low cost compared to other types of fillings. It can last for up to 15 years. However, some research and studies suggest that the leakage of mercury may have a harmful effect on the body’s health, as it is known to be a toxic substance. Therefore, it is not a completely safe option. Additionally, its color differs from that of natural teeth, which is very noticeable and reduces the aesthetic appearance of the teeth.

From the above statements, we can say the following:

• If the cavity is present in the back teeth, it is possible to use platinum fillings or certain modified types of light-cured fillings, such as 3N NANO HYBRID.
• However, if the cavity is in the front teeth, it is important to use a white filling to maintain the aesthetic appearance, as the front teeth represent a person’s smile and are visible when speaking.
• In summary, the choice of filling type should be made by the dentist based on their assessment of the appropriate option for the specific case.

If you want more details regarding tooth fillings, their types, and the characteristics of each type, you can read the following article.

What is a Platinum Filling?

“A comfortable and painless experience is what you’ll get when visiting The Dental Center for platinum filling treatment.”

A platinum filling is a material used to fill cavities resulting from tooth decay. It is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid mercury along with powdered silver, tin, and copper. The first element in its composition is mercury, which accounts for half of its weight. Due to its chemical properties, it reacts with the particles of silver, copper, and tin alloys, forming the filling material properly.

The platinum filling is also known as a silver filling because its appearance closely resembles silver. It is characterized by its hardness, high density, and ease of use and shaping in dentistry.

How long does a platinum filling last?

One of the most significant advantages of platinum fillings is their longevity, lasting up to 10 to 15 years for some patients, which is higher than most other types of fillings. Platinum fillings can withstand the pressure from chewing, and their low cost makes them the preferred choice for many people.

Types of Tooth Fillings and Their Prices

There are several types of tooth fillings widely used in the field of dentistry, and we will get to know each type in detail as follows:

• Platinum filling: This type of filling is one of the most commonly used for back teeth due to its low cost and high durability against pressure. It is composed of various chemical elements, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury, which give it strength, hardness, and toughness. However, its color differs from that of natural teeth, which may not be appealing to many people. Its price starts from 300 Egyptian pounds.
• Zirconia filling: This is one of the best types of fillings currently available due to its strength and ability to withstand various tooth functions. Additionally, the body is compatible with it, and it does not cause any allergic reactions to its components. Its color is similar to that of natural teeth, making it widely used by many people to repair tooth damage. However, it is more expensive than other types of fillings, costing up to 3,000 Egyptian pounds.
• Composite fillings: These are synthetic fillings composed of various chemical elements that increase the material’s hardness and bonding to the teeth. They are characterized by having the same color as natural teeth, making them one of the cosmetic tooth fillings used to repair defects in the front teeth. However, they do not last for more than five years, and their price ranges from 400 to 800 Egyptian pounds.
• Ceramic and glass ionomer fillings: Ceramic fillings have a color similar to natural teeth, reflecting their beauty and external appearance. However, they are more prone to breakage, making them a suitable choice for filling front teeth and rarely used in back teeth. The same applies to glass ionomer fillings, which are composed of adding some materials to glass, making them susceptible to breakage. However, they suit the shape of the teeth from an aesthetic perspective, and their prices reach 2,000 Egyptian pounds.
• Gold and silver fillings: Gold and silver fillings are among the oldest types of fillings used in the past before the emergence of the new fillings known today. They were characterized by their long lifespan exceeding 15 years. However, they are expensive compared to other types of fillings, especially with the high prices during this period. Additionally, their color differs from that of natural teeth, which may not be suitable for many people, and the body may have an allergic reaction to them.

Types of Tooth Fillings and Their Prices

Best Types of Tooth Fillings

One of the most prominent measures to protect teeth from decay is maintaining their cleanliness and treating affected teeth quickly before the situation worsens. One of the most prominent treatment methods is tooth fillings, which are used to repair damage and holes resulting from decay. You can benefit from the various filling techniques available, such as ceramic fillings, composite fillings, gold tooth fillings, and others, which we will learn about in the following article.

The suitable type of filling depends on the type of decay, its location, the size of the hole, the patient’s bite pattern, and the dentist’s skill in performing the procedure accurately and professionally. It is essential to adhere to regular dental visits for early detection of any decay and take appropriate preventive measures, as the dentist is capable of assessing your condition and choosing the most suitable and best option for you.

Advantages of Platinum Tooth Fillings

Platinum tooth fillings have many advantages, which we will learn about as follows:

• This type of filling is characterized by its strength, hardness, and rigidity, making it less prone to breakage.
• Platinum fillings do not require many sessions.
• This type becomes less susceptible to recurring decay.
• One of the most significant advantages of platinum fillings is their low cost.
• Platinum fillings last for long periods and remain stable in the tooth cavity.

Disadvantages of Platinum Fillings

Despite the various advantages of platinum fillings that we discussed above, there are some drawbacks that reduce their efficiency, which are as follows:

• The color of platinum fillings differs from that of natural teeth, which makes the aesthetic appearance of the teeth less than optimal.
• In some cases, the patient may experience an allergy to the mercury or silver and copper components, which are the main constituents of platinum fillings.
• The dentist needs to create a cavity in the teeth larger than the size of the decay to place the platinum filling.

What are the complications of platinum fillings?

Complications of platinum fillings are relatively rare and are all due to the components of the platinum filling, especially mercury. These complications do not occur in everyone who gets a platinum filling, but there is a group more susceptible to this, such as children under six years old and pregnant women. The complications of platinum fillings appear in the following forms:

• Severe allergy to mercury.
• Effects on nerve cells.
• Impacts on kidney and lung functions.

How much does a platinum filling cost?

“Smile with confidence and enjoy healthy mouth functions with the excellent platinum tooth fillings at The Dental Center.”

Platinum fillings are characterized by their low cost compared to other types of fillings, ranging from 300 to 500 Egyptian pounds. There are many reasons that prompt people to need tooth fillings, the most important of which are decay, tooth damage, and loss of parts. Many people look for suitable fillings for their conditions. The price of tooth fillings varies based on several factors, including the type of filling, its longevity in the teeth, the extent of the need for fillings, and the size of the required filling. The platinum filling is one of the most common types of fillings, known for its strength, durability, and ability to withstand chewing pressure for up to fifteen years or more.

Why is mercury used in platinum tooth fillings?

Liquid mercury accounts for approximately 50% of the components of platinum fillings, as it reacts with the other components of the filling and binds them together to obtain a material that can be easily and quickly applied inside the tooth. Mercury is used as a disinfectant and bactericidal agent.