Which dental material is commonly used for tooth fillings?

The choice of composite resin as a common dental material for tooth fillings stems from its versatile properties and aesthetic advantages. Composite resins are tooth-colored materials that provide a natural appearance, making them particularly appealing for fillings in visible areas. They adhere well to the tooth structure, allowing for minimal removal of healthy tooth tissue during preparation.

Composite resins can also be color-matched to the surrounding teeth, offering a seamless blend with the natural dentition, which is increasingly important to patients seeking aesthetic solutions. Additionally, they can be used in a variety of applications, including small and large cavities, as well as for bonding procedures in restorative dentistry.

While dental amalgam is another common filling material, it consists of metal alloys and may not provide the aesthetic quality that composite resins do. Gold crowns and porcelain veneers serve different functions in dentistry, such as providing full coverage restorations or aesthetic enhancements rather than serving purely as filling materials for cavities. Thus, the selection of composite resin highlights its advantages in both function and appearance for many restorative situations.