Dental fillings are certainly not an invention of the modern era. In fact, they have been around for thousands of years. Even though dental fillings 6,000 years ago were much different than what we have today, their history has informed some of what we use today.
Let’s look at the history of dental fillings in more detail:
Early Dental Fillings
Researchers found a man in a cave in Italy with beeswax embedded as a dental filling material. Experts believe this dates back to at least 6,000 years ago.
Between 166 and 201 AD, the Romans, also known as the Etruscans, were known to be one of the most advanced dentists of that era. They used gold to fill teeth and worked on creating artificial crowns at this time.
A Chinese medical text described “silver paste” as a dental amalgam around 701 AD. Researchers believe that the Chinese could have used amalgam fillings around this time.
The search for the ideal dental filling material continued for many years. The next major development happened in the nineteenth century and was linked to amalgam fillings.
Amalgam Fillings
The dental chair and drill were invented in the early 1800s, leading to dental fillings made of various metals, including platinum, gold, silver, and lead. Even tin was used to fill cavities in the 1820s—a popular option due to its low price.
In the 1830s, experiments were done by adding mercury to existing base metals and using this substance as a filling material. Even though the metal proportions have been altered over the years, amalgam fillings remain popular for dental fillings as they are rigid and long-lasting.
Modern Fillings
Today, there are many options that dentists offer patients when it comes to dental fillings:
Glass & Resin
A glass ionomer filling material is made with glass powder and acrylic acids. Compared to amalgam fillings, it requires dentists to remove much less tooth. Resin ionomer, on the other hand, is made from acrylic resin, acrylic acids, and a glass filler. Both options are favoured as they have a low to moderate resistance to fracture.
Porcelain
One of the most popular choices today is a porcelain filling, known for its durability and strength. However, porcelain teeth are not made immediately. Instead, a temporary dental filling is put in while the porcelain mould is made.
Gold Alloy
Gold fillings were created because they are extremely easy to shape, making it less challenging to fill the cavity accurately. Gold is also very smooth, making it pleasant to have in the mouth. But it isn’t the most popular choice today, as gold crowns are expensive.
Resin Composite
Resin composite fillings are a well-known dental filling solution today as they are the most realistic-looking option. The resin can be matched to the colour of the other teeth, making it the go-to choice for many dentists and patients. They can be used as dental fillings and repair material for chipped, worn, or broken teeth.
Cavities? Contact Dental House To Schedule An Appointment
At Dental House, we use various materials to create the most durable, affordable, and long-lasting dental filling for you. If you’re interested in replacing old fillings or getting new ones done, speak to our experts about a dental filling in Saskatoon today.